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shreddedparchment · 4 years

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A Wife for Thor Pt.09

11/12/2020

Stirrings

Pairing: King!Thor x Reader Word Count: 6,297

Warnings: language, very light smut, sexual situations, weddings, marriage, pregnancy

A/N: So this is it. This is the one. I hope y’all like it. This is where plot rears its head. Or begins to anyway. I’ll leave y’all to enjoy it. If you do happen to like it and reblog it, thanks so much for helping me spread my work! xoxo

Please DO NOT REPOST my stories on any other blogs or sites.

REBLOGS are always welcome and appreciated!

Dinner with the Warriors Three is eventful.

Several plates have already been knocked to the ground. Goblets and large mugs of mead and ale drop to slosh across the floor in the ruckus.

With a small yeep you duck just in time as a large sturdy turkey leg dripping with honey glaze and butter flies towards you and then hits the wall behind you.

“Hey!” Thor disapproves at Fandral and Hilde, reaching out towards you with his large hand.

He curls his fingers at you, calling you to him and you rise from your chair. You gather your skirts and scurry towards him in obedience. He wraps his arm around your waist and leads you to sit in his lap, turning slightly sideways so that he can shift to protect you with his body if he needs to.

“Watch where you’re throwing things!” He chastises but is ignored.

Volstagg had also cried out when Thor had, and their voices all mix together.

“Hey!” He rises from his seat so abruptly that it falls back and clatters noisily onto the floor. “Stop wasting the best parts!”

From the spot beside you where the turkey leg had clearly been aimed at but missed, Loki wipes at the juices that sprinkled his face as it flew by.

Heimdall chuckles lightly, his deep timber made to rival Thor’s you feel. Hilde also laughs, reaching out quickly to take Fandral’s plate from him before he can grab another piece of food.

“If you couldn’t take the comeback, why did you mouth off?” Loki asks Fandral, other than his wiping, he seems unphased.

“It was a simple question, Loki.” Fandral counters.

“No, it was a jab.” Sif is actually smiling, and you’ve taken to staring at her every few seconds.

She’s not paying attention to you in the moment, so you sitting on Thor’s lap is not her focus. It gives you lots of time to just admire her beauty. She’s so freaking pretty!

She’s also very much a part of this group. You can see where she fits now and she’s indispensable to these lovely Asgardians.

“All I did was ask him if he has a girl!”

“That’s assuming a woman is what he wants.” Hogun rationalizes, reaching to grab the large roll on his plate.

It’s not a normal roll. It’s made differently than what you know. It tastes amazing, but it has flavors that you’ve never had on Earth before.

“Ooh, that’s a good point.” Hilde snaps her fingers, pointing at Hogun before leaning against the table, arms folded and pushing her empty plate away. “So, what is it, Loki? Male? Female? Non-gendered?”

Loki looks highly aware of the fact that everyone seems to be watching him now. Even you find yourself looking at him, waiting to learn more about your brother-in-law to be.

He finishes wiping his face, dropping his napkin on the table before he leans back, placing his hands on his thighs. He meets Hilde’s gaze and gives her a narrowed eye grimace as he answers, “I don’t have a preference.”

The table seems to deflate, all of them disappointed for some reason.

“Well, that’s gonna make it harder to find you someone.” Volstagg acknowledges.

“It means we’ll have a wider pool to choose from.” Heimdall reasons.

“Loki would need to learn to put others before himself before he can even think about being with someone.” Sif contributes, bringing down the pleasant atmosphere a little.

You can feel Thor tense underneath you, your hands hurrying to give his wide shoulders a squeeze where you’ve got hold of them as he looks to his left at his lifelong friend.

“Sif…” He pleads.

Suddenly, this moment seems endless.

Everyone is silent. Across the table, you see Loki looking a little wounded. Like he’s been punched in the chest. Not hard, but enough to make him flinch.

You don’t like it. You really don’t like it.

You look at Sif with new eyes. And you speak before you can stop yourself. The anger that builds in your chest bubbles up and it’s bitter. It tastes like acid.

Until this moment, you hadn’t realized how much her unwelcoming behavior towards you has bothered you.

“You’re joking right?”

She looks at you.

Thor’s arm loosens around your waist, his hand finding a spot on your hip.

She doesn’t seem to have anything to say, but you have plenty.

“I guess your rudeness doesn’t stop at me, but apparently extends to even your lifelong friends.�� You’re seething, chest burning, head getting fuzzier as the adrenaline from confronting her getting the better of your senses.

“Cherub…” Thor whispers, not to stop you, but with worry.

A realization overcomes his face as it softens, and he sees how much her refusal to be nice has hurt you.

“Just so you know, since the moment I met Loki he’s been nothing but kind to me. He’s been friendly and supportive and helpful and already the best brother-in-law I could ask for. I was seriously excited to meet you and get to know you because I’d heard a lot about your accomplishments but since I got here you’ve been nothing but abrasive, dismissive, and inappropriate with the way you act around Thor when you think I’m not watching.

“As far as I’m concerned, the only one that needs learn to put others before themselves at this table, is you. And if I could have it my way, I would ask you not to come to the wedding on Thursday but I know Thor wants you there so, as your Queen, I’m ordering you to come, whether you like it or not.”

The room is silent. Even Vostagg has frozen, mid-chew.

You get up, Thor’s hand stuck to your hip as if glued there, but he doesn’t stop you. Everyone else stands, even Hilde and Sif. Though she does it more slowly, chewing on the inside of her lip.

“I can’t eat anymore.” You huff. “I’ve lost my appetite.”

You make for the door but stop as you reach it, hand placed on the handle before you turn back towards the table and find Loki.

“For what it’s worth, anyone you choose would be lucky to have you.” With a final firm nod, you shove the doors open and stomp your way back to your room, taking the stairs as quickly as you can while hiking up your dress so that you don’t trip.

Even though your hands are shaking, your heart pounding, you feel much lighter now.

In your room, you strip the day away, dress left in a mess just inside the door. Your shoes just after. Stockings. Bra. Underwear at the bathroom doorway.

The water is already steaming hot when you walk into it, a sigh of relief hissing through your lips as you dip down into the water until your shoulders are submerged.

You’re not sure how long you steep there in the water—it could be seconds or hours—before you finally hear the bedroom door open.

“Y/N?” The voice pulls you from your empty space, that soundless pit in your mind where you go when you drift off into non-linear tangents of thought.

It’s the space where most of your stories come from. A space no one but you knows about.

“Leaving me breadcrumbs, cherub?” Thor asks, his voice lower, still out in the room. “This trail is intriguing.”

Half of your lip curls up in a smile, you keep your back to the bathroom door, intent on keep your mouth shut as long as you can so that you can hear what he really thinks about what you’ve just done in that dining hall.

“Dress. Stockings. Brassiere.” He clears his throat, and when he speaks again, his voice cracks. “Underwear.”

He’s in the bathroom doorway now, and you hear the hiss of all of your clothing fall back to the ground as he drops it at the sight of you.

“Hello. Might I join you?” He’s actually asking and will go away if you tell him he can’t.

Because you still don’t want to speak, you look over your shoulder at him and give him a gentle nod.

You keep watching him, staring at him as he reaches up and unhooks the straps on his armor. He moves to the long wooden slat bench along the wall and places it there. He follows it with his black shirt, then he sits and pulls off his shoes.

As he takes off each piece, he looks up at you, meeting your eyes and watches you for any give in your mood.

Whenever he’s not looking at you, you admire the bend and shift of his muscular torso. There’s a power in his body that you’re familiar with. Not strength. That’s not what you mean.

He’s got muscles, sure, and he can lift probably tons. You’ve seen the clips of him in fights around Earth.

What you’re thinking about is the power underneath all the appealing surface. He radiates it and it’s intoxicating. It makes you feel safe when he’s with you.

With his boots placed aside, he stands and unbuckles the leather belt around his waist. He opens the front of his pants and pushes them down.

No underwear.

You’re seriously tempted to smile at the fact that he’s been going commando all day long. You resist.

He throws them behind him then sits on the edge of the pool before lowering himself into the heated water.

He sighs in comfort but doesn’t give himself time to relish in the feeling before he’s moving towards you, the sloshy water splashing his golden body.

You wrap your arms around yourself just as Thor wraps his around you too. He pulls you close, smooshing your breasts against his chest.

He dips down to kiss your bare shoulder, then your neck, side of your chin, then finally a small and incredibly irresistible peck to your lips that almost cracks you. You almost throw yourself on him.

Instead you pucker right back, kissing him because you can’t resist him completely.

He really does have you wrapped around his finger.

“I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but I have worried how you would handle yourself in this position of authority that you’re marrying into.” Thor admits, tracing the curve of your shoulder with his large fingers.

He dips down again, kissing it then nips at it, teeth grazing lightly to pull on the skin.

It makes you shiver.

“You should give me some orders too.” Thor mumbles, his voice thick with arousal.

You really wanna laugh. Instead you keep silent and after a few moments, he pulls back to look at your face. Neutral. Eyes observant. No sign as to what you might be feeling.

The atmosphere grows more serious. Even though he’s got you squeezed to him, when he meets your eyes, you can see the worry there.

“Why didn’t you say anything before if you were that upset about Sif?”

“I did say something.” You remind him. “And I’m sure Loki did too. And Hilde.”

“No,” Thor shakes his head. “All of you said that she was jealous and unwelcoming. You are the only one that could have told me that it was really bothering you.”

And he’s right. You hadn’t exactly acted like it bothered you except a passing wish that you could get to know her.

With a shrug you shake your head.

“I didn’t realize how much it was bothering me until tonight. She wasn’t being awful or anything. She just hasn’t said much to me.”

He’s silent for a bit, your eyes on the water by his elbow.

His hands find the sides of your face and gently he coaxes your gaze up to meet his own.

“I hate the thought of you suffering in silence.” He says, deep voice soothing the knots in your chest. “Promise you will tell me if anything or anyone hurts you. I will try my best to make it better.”

“You can’t fight my battles for me, Thor. I can take care of myself.”

“Yes, I can see that. But you don’t have to. I’d like to be useful if it’s possible. This might sound a little pathetic, but I’d very much like you to make me feel needed.” He pouts, and even though he’s playing with you, his words are real.

He doesn’t like being caught off guard. Not when it comes to things he should know. And by the looks of his face, the way that his playful pout turns into a real downturn to the corners of his lips, you fall under that category of things he should be aware of.

You nod, head barely moving underneath his heated hold.

He leans down to kiss you, just a loving peck before he wraps his arms around you to squish you against his body again and he tilts his head, urging your lips open with the tip of his tongue. He breathes in, a small moan pulled out of him as you swirl your tongue around his, tasting him. The honey in his ale still fresh.

He pulls back, eye still shut as he groans again. “Mmph, I could kiss you all day long and do nothing else.”

You know what he means. There’s something about these kisses, so charged. They feel amazing, toe curling.

Whatever chemistry the two of you have is all consuming and you don’t mind.

“Also, in case you think it went without my notice, I want to thank you for standing up for Loki.” Thor pushes your hair away from your face, leaning down to press another quick peck to your lips. “It means a lot to me that he has someone else on his side. After everything that’s happened, it’s hard for some people to see that he’s changed.”

“He’s been very nice to me. I didn’t like Sif talking to him like that. I know that I probably stepped on her toes. She’s known him longer than me, but the look on his face after she said what she said…” It’s making your blood boil all over again.

“Loki has done many things to warrant her mistrust, but her words were cruel. I’m very grateful you spoke on his behalf. I’m certain it meant a lot to Loki too.”

You untangle your arms from between your bodies, wrap them around him under his arms and lay your head against his chest.

“He’s my family now.” You sigh. “Both of you.”

It’s your new truth. You’re not alone anymore!

“I will fight for both of you if anyone hurts you.”

You feel it so fiercely that you squeeze him, and he actually groans at the gesture. You know that you can’t hurt him though, and he’s just humoring you.

He chuckles against your hair, kissing your head as he holds you back.

“I’m so glad you chose to come meet me.” Thor whispers, running his hand along the curve of your back.

“I’m so glad they forced me to come meet you.”

Both of you laugh.

~~~~~~~~~~

The planet is nearly decimated.

It’s a shell of what it once was, but dark still. The cold bites harshly.

The rough terrain is snow-covered. Ice grows from the ground into tall towers that rise hundreds of feet into the frigid air.

In a crater, full of crumbling structures that once stood tall and menacing, is the entrance to a cave. The darkness dips down and winds through the ice, unstable and shifting, with cracks along ground walls and ceiling.

Despite the bitter cold, a small green light begins to glow down in the darkest pit.

The cave suddenly stretches, a ginormous cavern hundreds of feet in Jotunheim’s depths.

Through the darkness paces a figure, small in stature but glowing an almost ethereal jade. The light pulsates, wrapped around a female form. Her body is perfection. The Venus made flesh.

Her long blonde tresses cascade along her back, a golden river flowing past her waist. On her head a smooth emerald helm with twin peaks rising up like horns on either side of her brow.

Her tunic, well worn in the exact same shade of green as her helm as is the rest of her outfit. Over a pair of leather pants, an armored soft strap skirt laces up along her hips, and tall boot with a helix design in line stop just above her knees.

Her bodice is laced at her front, leather ties tied tight to keep out the cold. Her strong yet slender shoulders are wrapped in a long green cape, gray bear’s fur lining the neck for warmth. It sweeps around her as she carves a line in the ice with her restless movements.

From the darkest corner of the large cavern comes a deep but weakened voice.

“Cease your pacing, Asgardian. Before I stop it for you.”

His words are followed by a wheezing breath, a cough, and a deep slow sigh.

The woman stops, crossing her arms across her chest as she stares into the dark.

“How much longer must we wait? I can feel him slipping away from me. His eyes have wandered, yet again.” She drops one arm, slapping at her cloak in frustration.

“Your obsession with Odin’s whelp escapes my understanding.” The deep voice breathes in again, wheezes as he breathes out. “Remember my intent, witch. I will kill the God of Thunder.”

“Yes, I heard you the first million times you told me. I do not need the constant reminder. Thor will die.” She sighs, turning to look towards the entrance of the cavern, in search for the handsome golden face that rests in her heart. “You can kill him, as long as he dies loving me and only me. Thor is mine.”

~~~~~~~~~~

It’s your fifth time zoning out, your mouth slightly open as you stare at the reflection in your new vanity shoved into Thor’s spacious room.

“Your Highness?” Estrid nudges you, leaning forward to try and catch your attention.

“Hm?” You jump, turning to look at her with wide eyes.

She smiles at you kindly, knowing the source of your distraction. It isn’t hard to guess.

“What color rose shall we put in your hair?”

“Um…” You look down at your wedding dress, carefully spread out around you and held in place by your new set of intricate silver armor. It was cold when they’d put it on you, the metal touching your bare shoulders, but it’s padded so that it doesn’t hurt.

The design is very practical. It’s real armor that you’re expected to wear for official military events or if there is an actual attack on the palace. You’re going to be a warrior people’s Queen and a warrior husband’s wife. The armor is made for you to use.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t also beautiful.

Thor made very specific requests to its pieces. Along the sides around your stomach is a delicate floral design. The shoulder pieces, not to be worn today because it makes you look gentler and more refined, are also decorated along its edges with vines of smaller flowers and at one outer corner of each piece is a blooming rose with its petals spread wide.

Along your wrists and forearms you wear bracers, just as beautifully decorated and there to help hold your sleeves down.

“Thor’s armor will be black?” You check, trying to remember what he’s supposed to wear.

“Actually, Your Highness, his Majesty’s armor will be silver, to match your own. With gold highlights along his breast plate. His cape will still be red. That is his best color.” She smiles, her hand resting by the collection of roses in a wooden box that had been filled this morning from the gardens.

“Then we’ll go with the red rose. The one in full bloom, and this lighter one, in half bloom.” You touch each one gently, caressing the velvety petals in admiration of their pretty color.

“An excellent choice, Your Highness.” Estrid quickly goes to attaching them, adjusting your hair on the top of your head and pinning them into place.

“Are you almost ready?” Hilde’s voice filters in, the door now wide open as she stands there staring in at you.

Her eyes are bright, her mouth open in awe.

“Does it look bad?” You worry, reaching up to touch your hair then reaching down to fuss with the armor.

“You look…” Hilde stops, at a loss.

“Beautiful.” David provides, a calm smile stretched across his lips.

“You made it!” You gasp, getting to your feet just as Estrid finishes with the flowers and rush to him.

He hugs you, laughing as you squeeze him tight.

“Ouch,” he says, teasing you.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” You pull away and he laughs a bit more loudly. “I thought you weren’t going to make it back in time. Where did you go?”

“I had a favor to do for your husband to be.” David explains, then pushes you back so that he can take a better look at you. “You are really, absolutely beautiful.”

That makes you feel better. More confident.

“He’s so right.” Hilde agrees, nodding with what looks like joy in her eyes.

“Thanks, Hilde. David? You are going to walk me down the aisle, right?”

David’s face goes blank. He looks to Hilde and then to Estrid before he meets your eyes again.

“Me?”

“Yeah, you!” You laugh, giving his arms a squeeze. “David, you’re the closest thing I have to family in my life. You’ve been a real father to me through all of this and everything before. Of course, I want you to walk me down the aisle.”

David’s eyes slowly grow misty, his smile growing wide by the moment before he pulls you back into a gentle hug.

“It would be my honor.” David whispers just for you.

“Ooh, none of that.” Hilde interrupts, reaching out to pull the two of you apart. “No crying, you’ll ruin your makeup and Estrid will have to do it again.”

You all laugh. Sweet chuckles of impending excitement as the hour that will change your life grows closer.

You seriously cannot believe that in less than two hours, you’ll be married. More importantly, you’ll be the queen of an entire people.

Most of them have been so welcoming. They’ve eaten up any information they could get on you and you’ve been so grateful for their kindness.

“Hey guys? Anyone here?” A soft lilting voice flitters in from the doorway and you turn to see who posses such a sweet sounding tone.

What you find, you aren’t expecting.

Completely contrary to the small and gentle voice stands what looks like a large collection of massive rocks piled up in the shape of a burly man.

There is a definition at the end of its arms of hands, feet without shoes at the ends of its legs. And at the center of the large mass that makes up its head is a kind looking face. Pure eyes. And he’s got it all topped with a slick black suit and a light blue tie.

He lifts his massive hand and waves it. It’s a minute movement as he stands up straighter with all eyes in the room on him.

“You’re a Kronan.” You realize, pointing at him rudely.

“Yeah, my name is Korg. Thor’s best friend and best man. Even though I’m not really his best man, since there is no best man in Asgardian weddings which is a shame since I would probably most definitely have been his choice. After Loki of course. That’s his brother. And probably Heimdall. His other best friend. And the Warriors Three. But definitely before Miek.”

You chuckle once, a slightly surprised and nervous laugh before you reach out towards him to shake his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Korg. Thor was telling me about you yesterday. I’m Y/N. I’m so glad we can finally meet.” You wait patiently as his face goes slightly slack for a moment then he eagerly reaches out to take your tiny hand in his huge one.

He barely closes it around your own but shakes it with enthusiasm.

“Thor said you were a pretty lady. He failed to tell me about how nice you are. You’ll have to come over some time. To my house? We can play some Fortnite. I’ll even let you take the mythic.” He spouts, and you laugh again, just once.

“Oh. Okay. That’s so nice of you.”

He takes his hand back and Hilde finally moves to stand beside you.

“Did you just come to meet Her Highness? Or do you have a message from Thor?”

“Oh, yes. I nearly forgot. Thank you, Valkyrie. The car is here and ready to take you on the drive through the city?”

“Drive through the city?” You turn your confusion to Hilde and she waves to Estrid for your cloak who then rushes away to fetch it.

“It’s a quick procession through the main roads. Since the city temple hasn’t been built, this will be the only way for the people to see you. Normally they would come to the temple to be witness to the ceremony.” She explains.

“So, that’s why we’re having the wedding and the recep-the feast in the throne room.” You realize, nodding as Estrid lays your cloak over your shoulders then clips the thick red cape around you.

“That’s right.” Hilde smiles. “Is Thor already down there?”

“Yep. He said to ask you to be quick.” Korg nods.

“Why?” You wonder, turning that twist of confusion back to him.

“Uh, he said he’d like to have his wife already and be on his honeymoon. Then he said some other things that I don’t feel comfortable repeating about curves and skin, which I don’t have, by the way and I find it a little cruel of him to mention how good it tastes, especially that of his pretty lady. Felt a bit like bragging to me. Kind of rude, to be honest.”

“Thank you, Korg!” Hilde interrupts as you press your hands to your cheeks and feel them burn.

“I’m gonna kill him.” You wheeze.

“Why don’t you head down and let him know we’re on our way? Tell Armod to prep the heater. It’s cold today.”

You know she’s only assuming for your benefit. She doesn’t feel the bite of the cold here like you do.

Korg lumbers off without another word while you turn to David.

“You’ll be here when I get back?” You worry, for some reason desperate to make sure he’s here to walk you down the aisle.

Now that you have that image in your head, you don’t want to let it go.

You hadn’t thought about having a husband since you were a little girl but even then, you’d imagined a father walking you down the aisle. You’d never thought you would get the chance. And you have it now.

“Of course.” David puts his phone down and reaches out to take hold of your elbow. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

The next hour is a rush of movement. Gentle pushing and tugging and guiding from Hilde, Loki, and finally Heimdall and Thor as they settle you into a large levitating carriage. It’s not Earth tech, with the clear curves and colors of Asgardian design.

It’s open, so you understand the need for the cloak now. Armod is sitting at the front of this little ship, hands on a weird sort of lever that is supposed to make up the steering wheel?

The whole thing reminds you a little of the speeders in Star Wars.

“What is this?” You ask in wonder, looking underneath the vehicle as if you might see how it works.

“This is a Skiff. Modified to comply with Earth regulations. Normally the steering mechanism would be at the back of the ship.” Heimdall informs you, moving to touch a small panel on the side which pulls a small step out towards you. “Your Highness?”

You take his hand, and he helps you up, Thor following shortly behind him.

He sits beside you, still not having said a word.

As you turn to look at him, admiring him from his booted toes to his silver winged helm, you realize that he’s staring at you.

“What?” You gasp, reaching down to touch the fabric of your cloak and the bottom edge of your armor.

Does it look weird? You in armor is not a look you’d ever thought you’d be rocking.

The heat of Thor’s hand traces along the bottom seam of your armor on your back. Fingers tickling the curve of your bottom before he wraps his arm around your waist and pulls you close with gentle strength.

“You’re the most beautiful creature in all of the nine realms, and beyond.” He gushes, and you laugh nervously.

Looking away from him because your neck, ears, and face are burning up and you can’t believe such a sappy grouping of words just came out of his stupid handsome mouth.

You feel his lips pressed to your temple, then cheek. You turn to look at him, wondering about what expression he’s wearing but instead he’s kissing you, eye shut, completely lost in the affection.

When he pulls back, he keeps his forehead pressed to yours. Breathing a little hard as you yourself shiver.

“I love you.” He whispers, so soft and quiet only you can hear him.

“Thor…” You breathe, reaching up to hold his hand as he places it on your cheek.

“You don’t have to say it back. It’s alright if you don’t feel the same. I just want you to know that this is it for me. I didn’t expect to feel this way by today but now that I do, I’m so grateful for you and I promise to do everything in my power to make you happy.”

His confession leaves you weeping, eyes flooded with tears that streak down along your cheeks.

“Thor…” You gasp, pulling him down to kiss him again, just one quick kiss so that you can free your mouth up to speak. “I love you, too. I didn’t know that I could feel this way so quickly. But I do. I love you.”

Thor smiles, the brightness in his face is radiant and you’d swear he is literally glowing.

“Why are you crying?” He asks, a laugh in his voice as he reaches into his own cloak to pull out a sleek black handkerchief.

He pulls it up to your cheeks and gently wipes the tears from your cheeks.

“Because you’re saying all these stupid sweet things that I want to hear and I’m so fucking happy, alright?” You sob just once, reaching out to push against his chest but he catches your arm and pulls you into a hug as he chuckles.

The Skiff begins to move, and you and Thor pull apart when the cheers begin.

You’re still trying to catch up in your mind to the mass of people waving and cheering from the sides of the main street through the city. There are endless flashes from human reporters who came to take pictures. In no time at all, the Skiff is pulling up to the front of the palace.

David is waiting for you and he frowns at the tear stains on your cheeks but a quick look at Thor and his dip to kiss your lips wipes all worries from his mind.

“See you in there, cherub.” Thor calls to you, leaving you just outside the doors of the throne room.

Estrid meets you there and quickly goes to work on fixing your face.

“It’s okay.” You squirm, trying to keep Thor in view but the doors close and all you get to see is the long table on the right side of the room with two large chairs meant for you and Thor during the feast and an array of smaller tables on the opposite side of the room.

Along the left side wall, at the very back are a group of men and women, all wearing stiff black suits. The ambassadors?

“They were happy tears.” You continue to resist, eyes lingering on the scary government group.

“Hilde will tear my hide, Your Highness. Please.” She begs and you stay still for her even though you doubt that Hilde would ever hurt anyone like she suggests.

“Are you nervous?” David asks, reaching to straighten your hair.

“No.” You admit, shaking your head only when Estrid is done with your face.

Instead her hands are on the clasp of your cloak as she peels it off of you and throws it over her arm and then moves around you to straighten your dress.

“I’m so ready to be his wife, David.” You sigh, the feeling of madness on the edges of your mind. “Is that weird? It doesn’t feel weird.”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Not weird, if it’s really how you feel. I only want you to be happy.”

“He makes me happy. Really. I was worried about Jane in the beginning and scared about loving him if he didn’t love me back. But he’s more invested in us than I thought he would ever be. He’s being real, I think. It feels real. When he tells me he loves me, it doesn’t sound like a lie.”

David watches you, then taps Estrid on the shoulder. “Thank you, I think she’s ready. Tell them we’ll be right in.”

Estrid gives you a curtsy and disappears through the doors.

You steal a look and spot Thor rolling back and forth on his feet in front of the throne as Loki talks in his ear beside him.

He looks towards you and he smiles, stopping his nervous movement as he locks eyes with you.

Your heart stutters. The doors close again.

“Y/N…I want you to be vigilant with your emotions. You say that his declarations don’t sound like lies and they might not be. But lies like that never sound like lies.”

Your heart sinks a little, your mind racing with every moment that Thor has been sweet with you.

“It’s real, David.” You protest.

“Yes.” He nods, taking your hands in his. “After watching the two of you together, I believe both your emotions are real. Just as you say. I only want you to guard your heart. I want you to protect yourself.

“Marriage is not easy. I have only my own experience to speak from, but there were many obstacles that I did not expect. Laura and I hurt each other many times.” David explains.

“But you and Laura were together until the end. You were both so in love.” You hadn’t known his wife long.

She’d passed only a year after you having known her but every time you’d seen them, they’d been the picture of romantic love and true friendship.

“We were.” He nods, “But it wasn’t always easy. She and I both made many mistakes. Small ones and mistakes that challenged the very core of our relationship. Mistakes that almost tore us apart.

“And this is your first relationship. The first time you’ve ever given yourself over to someone like this. I’m worried for you. That’s all.”

“And that’s why I love you. You’ve been here for me when I’ve needed you most. I will be careful but I want to embrace what I’m feeling.”

“And that’s all I want too. Just your caution. Protect your heart, Y/N. No one else will protect it better than you.”

Really, you understand his worries. This is such a risk not only for you but for Thor too. The two of you hardly know each other.

Your chemistry is through the roof, but there is so much about who you two are as people that you still have to learn. Your lives as King and Queen will also play a part in how your marriage will come together.

Will you have time for each other? Time to make an heir? Time to spend time with whatever family you’re able to make?

“I can’t promise you that I’ll guard my heart well.” You shake your head but squeeze his hands tighter. “I can only promise that I’ll be true to how I feel. If something starts to go wrong, I’ll be open about it. With Thor and with anyone there to support us.”

Because let’s face it, you’ve known for a while that you’re absolutely fucked when it comes to Thor.

You’re head over heels and grateful that he is too. At least your marriage will begin with love even if in time, that fades. You’ll always have the memories you’re making now.

“I suppose this is the apprehension every father feels when his daughter marries. I’ll have to suck it up. But just know, that if you ever need a place to go, if something should be terrible enough that you need to leave, my home will always be open to you as sanctuary.

“I will protect you, as best I can when the time comes.” He pulls you to him, hugging you tightly.

“If,” you correct him. “If the time comes.”

Because you’re certain in your bones that Thor loves you and you love him, and the only thing that could tear that love apart is each other and you can’t see either of you making such a stupid mistake.

The large wooden doors open. David pulls back and takes your hand, wrapping it around his elbow. He lets you take a breath before he takes that first step towards the throne where Thor stands waiting, beaming with joy as his future wife approaches.

#king!thor x reader #thor odinson x reader #thor x reader #arranged marriage au #royal au #marvel fanfiction #marvel au #a wife for thor #a wife for thor pt09 #thor x reader fic #thor x reader fanfic #thor x reader fanfiction #thor x you #king!thor x reader fic #king!thor x reader fanfic #king!thor x reader fanfiction #king!thor x you

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jujutsubabe · 3 years

Text

✨What being friends with Itadori (ft. Nobara and Megumi) is like ✨

A/n: Happy New Years!🥳 here’s my first jjk headcanon with everyone’s fav boy Itadori💖

- Being friends with Itadori and you guys go on little friend dates!

- Him buying u ice cream and u guys make it a competition on who can buy each other the most stuff.

- If he buys ice cream u go more extreme and pay for dinner, then he goes extreme and buys u something u liked in a store like a whole face care set or some cute outfits.

- then ur like “😐 don’t play with me.” And buy him a whole PS5 and he’s “😀... u win.”

Movie nights ✨✨

- I’d imagine these r so fun, after the movie y’all rate it and explain how you’d end the movie differently.

- Itadori literally does impressions and acts out the scenes he imagines, he would be so into it, you’ll be eating popcorn and commenting on how accurate his impressions were!!

- Y’all r full on professional movie critics I swear, u guys probably have a whole movie journal too ugh gross🙄.

- After u guys finish you continue to stay cuddled up next to each other as u finish one of the two billion popcorn bags he made for no reason at all.

- it’d be dead silent just munching away, “yeah....that was a good scene”

- Ur cuddle position is either his head on ur lap (he expects u to pet him😌) or his head on ur shoulder, (he does this so he can be nosy and look at ur Instagram feed as u scroll around ur phone)

- However some nights if you want to be held, cue you sitting in his lap or laying all the way on him as he sits up and pets you😌✌️

Sleepovers 💤💤

- Sleepovers r so fun, usually u guys invite the whole Team Tokyo gang for a movie night and it just ends up as everyone sleeping over in someone’s dorm, (Megumi does not want to be there but u guys always force him to join🙄)

- If Megumi happens to stay in his room when you guys watched a movie, Nobara says “I have... an idea...”

- Cue you three dorks tip toeing to his dorm a giggling mess and knocking on his door.

- As soon as he opens the door he regrets it, y’all bombard him and hang out all over his room until u guys fall asleep.

- (he says it’s annoying but lowkey enjoys the company some nights)

✨Spa days✨

- Some nights Nobara wants to do a whole skin care/ spa day, so she has you all wear all the many face masks that she bought.

- I imagine she bought you guys spa robes on Christmas and you guys continue to wear it whenever Nobara wanted to have a spa day BYEEEETHAT WOULD B SO CUTE. Megumi with blue, Itadori with red, Nobara with orange, and u with purple

- imagine her painting ur nails with a whole green face mask on as she talks, “I think I this color suits you but I don’t know...”

- You twist your hand around, “it’s alright... but I do like that color a little more.” You pointed your pastel pink nails to the pitch black goth color. “Let’s just restart!”

- “Good idea!” She nodded and already started applying the rubbing alcohol.

- This would be the.... tenth time you have changed nail polish colors.... how is this safe...

- Itadori def wants you guys to do his nails too, he wouldn’t want nail polish cause he has no patience to let it dry😐 but if he could participate in getting his cuticles pushed back and nails shaven down nicely? Sign him up😌

- Megumi is so cute with a hot cloth over his face, and he’d let Nobara or you put the mask on for him. He is the most boujee in that room I swear.

- Imagine Itadori sitting up as you tie his hair in a cute little pony tail and apply a face mask on him.

- He says, “I’m gonna be so hot after this....” (as if his whole six pack is not showing...)

- *cue Sukuna coming out and licking off the face mask everytime you applied it to his cheek. For like no reason at all.😐*

- Itadori will close his eyes and talk about his day as you pluck his eyebrows and scold him to stop moving.

- He pauses and flinches every time you pluck a hair and will still continue his conversation

- “Itadori! Can you stop talking for a second!” Your focus is dead on those stray hairs but every time he opens his mouth it moves from grasp.

- “Right okay....”

- You lean forward, so close and careful...

- Then he jumps and ur hand misses the hair, “Ah I almost forgot about the funny part! So after Gojo- sensei left I—“

- “Itadori!!”

Nights when Frank Ocean is ur #1 artist on Spotify for a reason💔

- on nights when the missions were a little more draining than usual, mentally and physically.

- Itadori probably needs a hug and softly knocks on your dorm at 2 am.

- You weren’t sleeping anyways, just picking at the scabs on your knee as a movie played, so when you hear the knock you look up. You open the door to see him looking down.

- “is it okay if I come in?”

- as soon as you say “Yeah.” he’s already leaning in for a hug

- He’s the type of guy to hug you for an hour if you let him.

- Your legs started to ache so you patted the empty spot on your bed, he stays standing, “I wasn’t sleeping before you came, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

- He slowly nods and lays in the bed next to you, the both of you just staring at the ceiling.

- This lasts for a while until he out of nowhere pops the, “How do you think I’ll die?” Question.

- Like dude 😐 why do we gotta talk about that!!! Why!!! Chill!!!

- You stare at him but he doesn’t look at you, “I don’t know. Hopefully quickly.”

- He nods, “Yeah.”

- “And hopefully not around me.”

- He turns to you, but you continue “I mean unless it’s you dying of old age… but other than that I don’t want to see.”

- You hear a small gulp as he looks back at the ceiling. “I think I feel the same…”

- You continued to stare at him, he had a few gashes over his cheeks, you were scared to see what other scars he could have.

- Itadori went beyond his limit, as usual, so it wasn’t a surprise he got the worst of it that day.

- Your hands naturally moved to his hair, it was soft and smelled like your shampoo. You smiled at the thought of him using flower scented hair products.

- You shifted his head closer to you, until he moved himself into your shoulder, completely submerging you in his arms. He pulled you close, holding onto your clothes tightly.

- “I really can’t do much without Sukuna.” His voice was muffled as he spoke, “I keep getting reminded how helpless I am.”

- “Are you kidding?” You paused from petting him and he looked up, “You’re so strong, you alone protectected all of us from getting seriously hurt. You’re stupidly helpful by yourself.”

- He looks at you, almost considering your words before stuffing his face into your shoulder again.

- “You’re really cool Itadori. I think everyone in their own way looks up to your strength. Not Sukuna’s.” You started to pick at his strands, letting his hair fall between your fingers. “And unlike Sukuna, you have really good empathy for others. Whenever someone is sad you know how to cheer them up.”

- He sighed as you played with his hair.

- “I think you’re a helpful person, you do a lot for us and we think you’re more than enough.” You continued talking about how great he was and how much everyone loved him until you stopped getting responses.

- When you looked down itadori’s eyes were shut as light snoring left his mouth. He fell asleep all cuddled up next to you, though cute you were now stuck in his death grip until morning 😐.

- You sighed before petting his head, eventually letting sleep settle in.

#jjk #jjk itadori #jujutsukaisen fanfiction #Itadori x reader #itadori x you #itadori yuuji #Itadori Yuuji x reader #is it 5 am and time for me to go to bed??#yes😌#do I have like 500 Wips to do instead of this?#absolutely 🥳#jujutsu kaisen x reader #wtf else tags I gotta put to get a million likes 😐#LMFAOO ok gn..... I love u and hope u see a full moon sometime soon💖

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farfromsugafanfic · 3 years

Text

Sutures - Chapter 12: Cardioplegia

Genre: Soulmates AU, Idiots to Lovers, slight Enemies to Lovers

Pairing: Yoongi/Named Reader

Warnings (chapter specific): mentions of family member death, medical procedures, ANGST, hospitalization, references to memory loss

Synopsis: “A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.” –Jean de la Fontaine

There was only one thing you and Min Yoongi had in common that night. You were both brokenhearted. You only intended to be together for one night, but when you both end up in the hospital the next day you discover that you are soulmates. It could kill you to be apart. As you and Yoongi attempt to sever the bond between you, will another be formed?

Note: Before y’all demand my head on a stick for this ending, please note that there is an epilogue and bonus part still to come.

Previous | Series Masterlist | Next

"Min Yoongi? Jang Sumi?" the doctor asked, carrying a clipboard in his hand. "So, I hear you have some concerns you need to discuss with me?"

You recognized the doctor from when you'd ended up in the hospital after the night you met Yoongi. He seemed to be the only soulmate bonding specialist in the whole city and your stomach turned. You wanted your needles.

"Yes," Yoongi said. "You see, an urgent family matter has come up for Sumi and she has to fly to the US as soon as possible." The doctor nodded. "The issue is that due to my schedule, I can't go with her. I know you said there were exemptions for work, do you think this would cover that?"

"It's hard to know," the doctor said. "It's possible you would have no problems as the conflict involves your work. But, for Sumi, there's nothing obligating her beyond the love for her family. I fear it would be risky. We wouldn't know until Sumi is on the plane and if you both have a reaction, it's likely Sumi wouldn't be able to get to a hospital in time."

"Then, no," Yoongi said. "What are the other options?"

"Wait," you said, touching Yoongi's bicep lightly. "What are the chances I have a reaction on the plane?"

"I'd say a 70% chance you react, 30% you don't. If it'd been over a year since you'd met, it would probably be 50/50. As the years go by, reactions become less likely. At least in the limited experience and research, we have from soulmate couples. Every couple is different."

"I'm willing to take the chance. Maybe we could hire a doctor to fly with me--"

Yoongi's hand shot to grip your thigh cutting off your words as your jeans rubbed against your skin where his fingertips touched. Even with the fabric between his skin and yours, it still felt like sitting too close to a fire. The sparks flying just over your head.

The doctor arched his eyebrow. "There aren't a ton of options. We are researching drugs right now to help curb reactions in situations like this, but since the reactions are individualized in some ways, it makes it hard to develop one drug that will work for all."

"I can come with you," Yoongi said, "It's the only option." You saw in the way his lips were in a slight frown that his thoughts were racing. His voice quieted. "And you'll need me."

"Yoongi, I-I don't know how long I'm going stay. You can't stay forever and I might."

Yoongi's eyebrows rose as his lips fell into a frown. "You want to stay?"

You felt the atmosphere lose color. The vibrant scene slowly turning black and white. Yoongi's hand still rested on your leg like it belonged there.

"I could teach Korean. Do translation work. I don't know. But, I miss my family and knowing things can happen so quickly and I could lose them, I just..." Unlike all the other times, there were no tears. You couldn't cry over this. You wanted to cry, grab the closest objects and fling them at the wall until they dented it, or at least chipped the paint. You wanted to grab Yoongi and kiss him, tear off his shirt, pull on his hair. But you couldn't. The only thing you could do was sit and listen to the doctor say you had to choose.

"Can we talk about this privately?"

"Before you make any decisions," the doctor said. "I should inform you that we have been working on an experimental cure. We haven't tested it on any human subjects yet, but we could use you if you consent. We can't guarantee it will work, but if it does, it would solve your problems. We don't know what side effects would be, but we would keep you for 24 hours for monitoring."

"Is it safe?"

"We believe it is. We've done animal trials and while they don't have soulmate connections like you do, they have not shown any side effects that we're concerned about." The doctor stood up to leave. "I'll give you some time. I know this isn't an easy decision, so take your time."

Once the door closed, you and Yoongi turned towards each other, your knees knocking together. His hands found yours, but you felt his gaze on your face which was angled downward, your eyes focusing on the way his thumb moved slowly over your knuckles.

"Yoongi, I don't know what to do. I need to see my grandma. I wish this wasn't so complicated and I'm scared cause what if the cure doesn't work or it gives us weird side effects. I mean, technically we could die. Yoongi, what do I do? I'm gonna lose my grandma. I-I don't want to lose you too."

"Hey, hey," he said, letting go of your heads and pulling you into his chest. You heard his heart beating against your ear and how his fingers shook slightly as he ran them over your hair. "It's going to be okay. Let's just think about this."

He was silent for a few moments. You didn't even hear the doctors and nurses rushing past the room or the beat of your hearts.

"We were working to sever this anyway. We won't lose each other. I'll still be here for you. You can still call or visit. I'm just concerned if something bad happens with the cure. Are you willing to risk everything for your grandmother?"

"Yes, of course."

“Then, we'll try it. I want you to be happy, Sumi. I want you to be able to see your grandmother, okay?"

You nodded. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"If it's what you want, then I'm sure."

"Yoongi, I'm sorry. I know you--"

"Shh," he said, smoothing down your hair and bunching it up and curling it around his fingers. "Let's just enjoy this last moment, yeah?"

You burrowed into Yoongi's chest. You would truly miss his warmth, the way his heart beat in time with yours, how he noticed when you were anxious, and handed you your needles. You weren't sure someone like him would ever walk into your life again. And here you were, allowing him to walk out.

---

"Thanks for coming," the doctor said, nodding towards Namjoon and Eunji who stood off to the side, sharing furrowed brows and concerned glances between you and Yoongi. "Since we don't exactly know what state they'll be in after this we want to make sure they have someone to look after them after."

While the doctor continued explaining worrisome symptoms and aftercare protocol, Yoongi turned towards you and grabbed your hand, slipping a folded piece of paper into it. You flashed him an odd look before pulling your hand away and unfolding the paper, finding a plane ticket to Los Angeles.

"I've made the arrangements. If you miss that flight, I'll get you on the next."

"Yoongi, you didn't--"

"Yeah, I did. Now, you don't have to worry, okay?

The doctor finished talking to Namjoon and Eunji and turned towards you. "Are you ready? We need to induce a reaction for this to work, so I've made arrangements for one of you to receive the treatment at another hospital nearby. Which one--"

"I'll go." Yoongi got off the bed and met your eyes. You'd already said goodbye, but it didn't feel like enough. There was a chance one or both of you could die. That it wouldn't work at all. There was an even greater chance that it would work and all the things you felt for the man in front of you would dissipate like fog in the afternoon.

You'd miss the way you longed to run your hands through his hair. How your stomach flipped when he smiled at you or the way you felt his touch linger long after he pulled away. The way he could calm you with just a look or how he allowed you to fiddle with his fingers when you didn't have your needles.

"Bye, Sumi. Call me whenever you need to, okay?"

You nodded and clasped your hands together tightly. He leaned forward and pressed his lips gently to your forehead and left the room before he could look back.

Namjoon met your eyes and offered a sad smile. "Take care, Sumi."

"You too, Namjoon."

Namjoon followed after Yoongi and it was just you, Eunji, and the doctor. "Once her symptoms begin, we'll administer the cure. We'll then just monitor her for any reaction and go from there."

Ten minutes later, it started. You felt the tightness in your chest, sweat pricking at your hairline, and your legs were restless, wanting to move wherever Yoongi was.

"Eunji, hold her hands, help keep her still."

Eunji was hesitant, but she walked over and held your arms flat against the bed. "It's gonna be okay, Sumi. Just breathe, okay? Just keep breathing."

You flinched as you felt the needle in your arm and fluid spilling into your bloodstream. It was hot--not hot enough to burn--but almost. Your heart slowed, but your breathing didn't catch up.

"Sumi, how are you feeling? Are you okay?" the doctor asked. You could vaguely make out the two figures hovering over you. Your vision went black around the edges and your legs went numb. You felt yourself falling and the two figures became smaller and smaller.

---

You woke up. White sheets surrounded you and the room was dark except for the light peeking in from the hallway outside. You heard Eunji in the hallway. It sounded like she was talking on the phone as you didn't hear another voice.

"What do you mean, Namjoon?" Her voice sounded distressed. Worried.

You glanced down at the IV in your arm. Your head hurt and you couldn't remember why you were here or how you got there. How long had you been here?

"He-he's okay, though? I mean, other than--"

Eunji's voice was now hushed. You strained to hear, but the machines connected to you began to beep. Eunji rushed back into the room, flipping on the light.

"Sumi!" Before you could blink she had her head pressed to your chest and was hugging you the best she could without disturbing all the needles and cords attached to your body. "When you passed out I thought you were going to die and I didn't know what was going to do without my best friend."

"Eunji--what--what happened? Who's Namjoon?"

Eunji's face fell. "Oh, uh, that's not important. Let me get the doctor."

---

The doctor examined you. His eyes caught yours, a sad look crossing over them momentarily before he pulled away.

“You seem perfectly healthy," he said. "I'm going to discharge you, but if you start having odd symptoms of any kind get to an emergency room. Okay?"

You nodded, not fully understanding. "Wait, how long has it been? How long have I been here?"

"It's only been a few hours, why?"

"My grandma," you said. "I need to get to the airport and get a ticket and--"

Eunji reached into her purse and pulled out a slip of paper. "You have a ticket. The flight's in a few hours. If you hurry you can make it. I'll send your stuff along later."

"You didn't buy this, did you?"

"No, Yoo--you really don't remember?"

"Eunji, what aren't you telling me?"

Your friend glanced over at the doctor who mouthed something you couldn't make out.

"It's not important right now," Eunji said. "Come on, you need to get to the airport if you want to get to the airport on time."

---

"I'll miss you," you said, pulling Eunji in for a hug. "I'll call you when I can."

"Take it easy, okay? You just got out of the hospital."

"I still don't remember what happened, Eunji. Why can't just tell me? Was it an accident? I must've hit my head."

"The doctor thinks it'd be too stressful on you right now. Maybe I'll tell you someday, okay? Just go be with your grandma."

You nodded, even though you overflowed with questions, something made you feel at peace as you stepped onto the plane and into your window seat. Normally, this is when you'd begin feeling sick. You settled into your seat and pulled your flannel closer around you. You didn't remember owning a flannel with the sleeves cut off. It must be one of Minki's old ones that you'd stolen, but for some reason, it kept you calm as the plane rocketed off the runway and into the air.

THE END

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onenerdtwonagas · 3 years

Text

Freckles & Stars

(Felt like rewriting their confession to try and have a less soap-opera-ish feel to it. Obviously it’s still a dramatic moment for them but at least the dialogue flows a little better IMO? Idk, y’all tell me LOL)

Orpheus smiled as he looked down at the pieces of parchment—‘paper’—and the intricate notes and detailed sketches. There was something inherently charming about them. Intimate, almost. He traced the tip of a claw carefully around the edge of a study of a fern leaf, following the thin lines of ink.

“What did you say this was called again?” he asked, his gaze lingering before flicking upwards at the human across from him.

“Botany,” Uriah answered. “Plant studies.”

“Huh. We call such persons ‘herbalists’, still. Although, I suppose it isn’t quite fitting, since they work with more than herbs.”

“Herbalists breed and preserve plants, too?”

“They do, but differently,” Orpheus explained, passing the papers back to Uriah. “They don’t use such strange methods as humans do, what with your...gadgets?”

Uriah chuckled and returned the papers to a protective folder inside his pack.

“That’s one word for it. Technology doesn’t run on magic, where I’m from.”

“It’s not always magic. There are scientists within the pantheon.”

“Alchemists, you mean?”

“It’s a form of science,” Orpheus insisted.

“That uses magic,” Uriah returned, smiling as he stood up to stretch.

“That’s—fair, actually. I’ll grant you that,” the naga laughed.

He watched Uriah pace to the open wall of his chamber. The human stretched his arms over his head and let them fall with a groan, leaning against a pillar and watching the steady rainfall outside. It had been rather dreary all afternoon, rain arriving not long after Uriah had showed up at the entrance to the temple.

Orpheus found himself looking forward to the visits from the mortal man. It had been several months since their strange first encounter, and Uriah came every so often for the ‘work’ his foreign society demanded of him. Watching him was fascinating; Uriah sounded so intelligent, and there was a little thrill that would race up Orpheus’s spine whenever he used the important-sounding jargon for his ‘work’. If he was being honest, it wasn’t just the terminology Uriah used that set little quivers through the naga’s core: it was the man himself.

He’d tried not to let it get to him, but with each visit Orpheus found himself growing increasingly fond of Uriah. He liked his smile, the genuine kindness he showed, and his obvious intelligence. Whenever Orpheus would take him to see new parts of the jungle around his father’s territory, he found himself seeking opportunities to touch him. Holding his hand to help him step over obstacles, brushing dirt or plant matter from his back, offering his tail as a place to sit for rest... Orpheus had to admit he was smitten, and he felt it again as he watched Uriah stare out at the rain.

“How long do you think it’ll last?”

“I—hmm?”

“The rain,” Uriah asked, jerking his head in the general direction of the weather. “Is it gonna come down like this all night?”

Orpheus rose and slithered over, peering up past the roof of the temple and through the canopy to catch a slim glance of a storm-gray sky overhead. A rumble of thunder rolled across the clouds.

“Might be a while, at the very least,” he mused. “It’s not the rainy season just yet, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have storms. Just means it won’t flood the lower terrain or washout the river beds.”

“Sooo... What you’re saying is, I’m probably bunking here overnight?”

Uriah looked at Orpheus, one eyebrow quirked upwards. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be there, near Orpheus—he certainly liked being near Orpheus—but he wasn’t sure he could handle it. Seeing him every visit felt wonderful, but leaving... Leaving was getting harder. Being closer wasn’t going to help that.

“I’d rather you stay here than risk getting lost or injured out there in a storm,” Orpheus said, looking down with a small shrug. He reached out and gave the man’s shoulder a pat.

“Besides, I’m sure it’s much more comfortable than whatever set-up you have at your ‘base camp’. You can share my chamber, if you like,” he offered, smiling. Hoping.

Uriah felt heat rising to his face.

“O-Oh, I, uh... I’d be fine taking a pillow and a blanket somewhere else! Your folks are okay with me—except your sister—s-so it should be fine! I wouldn’t want to crowd you!”

Orpheus blinked at him in confusion.

“Uriah, dearest, it’s an entire chamber. I know my tail is long but I’m not nearly so large as to need all of this—“ He swept two of his four arms out for emphasis. “—to be comfortable. You’ll sleep better here, anyway; I’ve got plenty of bed space.”

Uriah rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

“I-I just...y’know, it’s, uh...umm...”

“Are you truly still that shy after knowing me for several months?”

Uriah exhaled slowly.

“Yeah, kind of,” he muttered, turning away and pacing slowly. Orpheus watched after him.

“...You don’t need to be.”

“I know.”

“Have I done something to make you uncomfortable?”

“N-No,” Uriah answered quickly.

“Uriah, if I have, you can say so—“

“No,” he repeated, faster and harsher. Uriah turned and looked at him apologetically.

“I’m sorry, I’m not upset, but...”

He squeezed the back of his neck. He bent down and gathered his pack, sliding one strap over his left shoulder.

“Maybe it’s better if I just sleep somewhere else.”

“Uriah—“

“Or if I leave now, I could get back to base camp before nightfall.”

He started moving towards the doorway, head lowered and hand gripping his pack straps tightly, when Orpheus suddenly slid in his way. Uriah backpedaled and froze, tense. They stared at one another for a few moments before Uriah found his nerve.

“You can’t keep me here,” he said, though he looked up at Orpheus uncertainly. The naga looked back, slowly letting the tension leave him as he let out a growl and scowled at the floor.

“No, I can’t,” Orpheus huffed. He closed his eyes tightly, and then his expression fell, saddened.

“...But I want to.”

Uriah’s eyes widened. Orpheus looked at him almost pleadingly.

“Please, Uriah, just...stay the night? So I know you’re safe?”

He reached out, but Uriah backed away, turning and dropping his bag much less carefully than usual. He shoved his hands back through his hair and paced back towards the open wall.

“God, I knew this was a bad idea. I knew it and I kept doing it!”

“Doing what?” Orpheus asked, following him at a distance.

“Coming back!” Uriah blurted out, throwing his hands up. “Coming here and seeing you! I shouldn’t have done it! I should’ve just—just let it be! Left you alone!”

Orpheus’s mouth twitched downward. That stung.

“I like seeing you,” he said, quietly. “I want to see you.”

“I know! That’s the problem, I can’t—“

“Can’t what?”

“I can’t want you!” Uriah shouted. Orpheus flinched.

“I can’t want you because you’re this—this—this demigod naga, and I’m just me! I’m a mortal human being! You’re not for me! But I kept coming here anyway, because I like the look of you, and the way you act, and now I’m the idiot who got his own feelings worked up!”

The naga slowly approached, staring at Uriah as he let one hand fall to his side, the other removing his glasses and wiping furiously at the corner of his eye. Uriah shook his head as Orpheus tried to reach out to him, twisting away.

“Uriah, please, I don’t understand where this is coming from! What did I do?”

“It’s not you! You’re perfect! You’re a literal god! I’m the problem!”

“You’re not a problem!”

“I am!”

Orpheus didn’t let him move away again. He took hold of Uriah’s shoulders and bent to try and meet his gaze.

“Talk to me! I don’t know what this is about, but I’m fond of you, too! I want you here! I want you here so much it hurts when you go!”

“And what right did I have to do that to you, huh? You’re so much more than I am, Orpheus! I don’t—“

His breathing hitched and his voice broke. Uriah hid his face in his hand.

“I don’t deserve you.”

Orpheus stared at him, not understanding but wanting to, desperately. What was Uriah talking about? Deserving?

“What do you mean? If I enjoy being with you, and you with me, what does anything else matter?”

Uriah shook his head, his shoulders trembling as another sob rattled him. Orpheus slowly rubbed his upper arms, his second set of hands rising up to try and hold Uriah’s hand before he pulled away to wipe at his eyes.

“Uriah, please, I... I don’t know what you’re talking about. Help me understand. If I want you, how can you not deserve it?”

“B-Because I’m not like you,” Uriah whimpered. “I don’t deserve somebody like you.”

“What?”

“I’m not special. I-I’m boring, and plain, and...a-and you’ll get tired of me. And I—“ Uriah held himself. “—I can’t stand being unwanted again.”

“Uriah, I want you! Do you know how hard it is for me to watch you go every time, and not know if you’re coming back? I’ve lost sleep over it! I want you here, with me!”

The human shook his head in disbelief and looked at Orpheus through watery eyes.

“We barely know each other.”

“I know that your smile warms me, and that you are intelligent and kind,” Orpheus professed. “I know that the green of your eyes is the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen. I know your laugh makes my chest flutter. Do you have any idea how long it’s been since someone made me feel that way?”

Uriah shook his head again, trying to avoid his eyes, but Orpheus turned his face back with a gentle hand. He brushed a thumb across his freckled cheek, wiping a stray tear away.

“Uriah, I...” He sighed. “I know we couldn’t be more different, but I want you. You feel the same way, don’t you?”

“I’m just a human,” Uriah huffed, upset with himself. “I don’t have the right—“

“Forget rights. Forget my future title, forget all of it! That doesn’t matter to me right now. What do you feel? What do you want?” Orpheus stressed. “If you don’t feel the same, then I will understand, but you need to be honest with me, and with yourself.”

“I do,” Uriah answered suddenly, sullenly. He carefully placed a hand over Orpheus’s against his face, holding it there, taking comfort from him. Even if he felt he didn’t deserve to.

“I-I like you. A lot. A-And I miss you when I leave, and I w-want to be around you. I just... I-I just can’t...”

“You can. I’m telling you, you can,” Orpheus said, his voice soft as he leaned in and rested his forehead against Uriah’s. He hushed him as he whimpered, bringing a second hand to cradle his face.

“I want you,” the naga whispered, “and you want me. That’s all I need to know. That’s the only thing that matters right now. I don’t care about the rest, it can wait.”

“O-Orpheus...”

“It can wait,” he repeated, fingertips brushing Uriah’s jaw.

Orpheus tilted his head and kissed him, carefully and lightly at first, testing what Uriah would allow. Watery green eyes stared back for a few moments before Uriah returned the gesture, shy and timid but sincere. He felt fragile against his lips, as if he’d break just by touching him. Orpheus slid his hands back and combed his claws through Uriah’s curls, indulging in their softness before attempting a second kiss. Uriah shivered, but didn’t pull away. In fact, much to Orpheus’s surprise, he felt the human’s hands hesitantly resting on his shoulders, and then put his arms around his neck. As their lips parted, Uriah tucked his face down against Orpheus’s skin and sniffled, holding on tightly. The naga put all four of his arms around him, slowly stroking his back with one hand and petting his hair with another.

“I-I don’t know what to do, Orpheus,” Uriah whimpered, his voice muffled against the naga’s neck.

“Stay,” Orpheus purred back. “Please, stay. Even if it’s just for tonight.”

“I w-want to stay.”

“Then stay.”

He nuzzled against Uriah’s hair and he hushed him, his voice warm and soft. Orpheus lifted him, startling him for a moment, before he brought a hand to the man’s face and drew him closer once more. Uriah pressed his forehead to Orpheus’s and inhaled slowly.

“Stay,” Orpheus repeated.

“I-I’m sorry,” Uriah said quietly. “I wanted t-to say something but...b-but I didn’t know how, or w-when, and I was scared y-y-you wouldn’t want to see me anymore—“

“Shhh. Don’t be sorry, don’t. It’s a lot, I know, but I want to try.”

Orpheus ducked his head beneath Uriah’s, nuzzling his collarbone, breathing him in as the man’s fingers stroked lightly through his hair. He could feel how nervous Uriah was, how hesitant he was to touch him. Orpheus purred against him, hoping to soothe Uriah, as he carefully slid to his nest of furs and pillows and settled amongst them, his tail draped among the softness. He heard his pulse quicken in his chest.

“Easy,” Orpheus whispered, “it’s alright.”

Uriah’s face was warm and he couldn’t look at Orpheus for more than a few seconds before diverting his gaze. He was too beautiful, too perfect. He felt a weight shift onto his lap and looked down in surprise to see the end of Orpheus’s tail resting on top of his legs.

“You can touch me,” he encouraged, taking one of Uriah’s hands and placing it on his scales.

Uriah carefully brushed his fingertips along the edges of his scales, watching their stars slowly shift in their strange, magic way. Orpheus guided his hand, watching him, admiring the softness of his eyes. Slowly, he felt Uriah’s hesitancy fade and allowed him to touch on his own, bringing his hand up to brush the man’s curls from his face.

“...Why would you think I wouldn’t want to see you if you told me?” Orpheus asked, tone quiet but concerned. “Is it really because I’m a demigod?”

Uriah’s hand paused, and he bit his lip. Orpheus curled the end of his tail around the man’s wrist, wanting to hold him in some way without making him uncomfortable. He studied Uriah as several emotions flickered through his eyes.

“My ex was...h-he wasn’t a good person. I know that now, and I should’ve never fallen for his ‘nice act’ at the start, but...b-but I did, and...that’s what I get for it, I guess.”

“Ex?”

“Um...previous partner? I-I kicked him out last year and haven’t seen him since but it still hurts.”

“Oh.” Orpheus thought for a moment. “When you were saying those things about yourself before, about being boring and plain... Were those things he said to you?”

Uriah noticed the worry in Orpheus’s face and felt a pang of guilt for even explaining it. Orpheus didn’t need to know such hurtful things. But he had asked, and Uriah knew himself to be a terrible liar.

“Yeah. Y-Yeah, he...um... He said those things and then some.”

“Uriah...”

Orpheus’s brow knotted and he reached out to hold his hand between two of his own. Uriah sniffed.

“I w-wasn’t in a-a good place while I was with him,” he admitted. “It s-started fine but after a while, it just...got worse and I...I-I hung on l-longer than I should have.”

The naga’s tail released his wrist and rose instead to curl beneath his chin, guiding Uriah to look at him. Orpheus brought Uriah’s hand up and kissed the back of his palm, brushing his thumbs over his skin, and met his eyes with concern.

“He hurt you.”

It wasn’t a question, but an honest observation. Uriah couldn’t deny it, and he didn’t.

“I don’t want that for you, Uriah,” Orpheus said, soft and sincere. “No one should say things like that to you.”

“If this doesn’t work out—“

“No. I won’t treat you that way, even if we turn out to be incompatible. I promise.”

Uriah blinked back tears. He felt that tug of guilt in his chest again. Orpheus hadn’t ever been rude or even overly sarcastic with him; how awful to even think that, for a second, he was anything like his ex...

“I-I’m sorry, I know you’re not like him, I just—I’m scared of it happening again.”

“Come here.”

Orpheus reached out and brought Uriah close to him, holding him close to his chest and resting his chin in his hair. He nuzzled into it and kissed the crown of his head.

“I won’t hurt you, Uriah,” he reassured. “You will never need to be afraid of that, I promise. No one, not even me, can speak to you that way.”

“E-Even if...?”

“If we don’t work out, you’re still my friend; I don’t treat friends that way, either.”

He was a bit surprised by how tightly Uriah held on to him at that moment. Not wanting to accidentally harm the man with his superior strength, Orpheus hugged him only a little tighter, mindful of his claws, and relished the sensation of Uriah’s tension leaving his body.

“I needed to hear that. Thank you,” Uriah sniffled.

Orpheus would’ve told him he didn’t need to be thanked for basic decency, but Uriah caught him off-guard a second time. The man looked up at him, hesitating for just a second, before pressing up against him for a kiss. When he pulled back, Uriah was staring up with a bright red blush across his freckled cheeks. Never mind that they had already kissed a few minutes earlier.

“I-I, um...w-wanted to do that for a while.”

Orpheus came out of his moment of blank surprise and grinned, leaning close.

“I think we’re going to be good for each other, Uriah,” he purred.

“Really?”

“Mmhmm. Now, come here. I think you need a good, long cuddle.”

“Yeah. That sounds nice, right about now.”

#onenerdtwonagas #Orpheus #starry scales #Uriah #freckle muffin #freckles & stars #lit post #lit

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cartasmojadas · 3 years

Text

Y’all remember that Dirk John AU that I said I wanted to write...well it has taken a turn. Now it reads more like little windows into a budding relationship.

Here’s to childhood friends!

The first time John considers the idea of boys kissing boys he’s in the fourth grade. It is also the last time he plays hide and seek.

“I think I’m too old for hide and seek,” Dirk pushes John’s face away with the hard plastic of the game controller. His older brother is supposed to be picking him up from the sleepover soon, but if the dog-shaped clock on the wall isn’t wrong, Dave is already half an hour late.

John flinches and falls back into the bed. Dirk is willing to ignore him for Rainbow Road but John’s disappointed expression holds his attention.

“You sound like Janey,” John mutters. “Everyone says they’re too old and I’m too little. But you’re only a year older! Stop treating me like I’m a baby!” John kicks his legs around and apologizes when he lands a hit on Dirk’s leg.

Dirk watches John in silence for a moment. His sisters have pointed out that he should try to be less blunt since you catch more flies with honey, not that he’s entirely sure why he’s supposed to catch flies, or how he’s supposed to speak in honey.

“You are a baby.”

As soon as the words leave his mouth, Dirk knows he has messed up. John’s face drops with a betrayed wail. He quickly tosses a pillow in Dirk’s direction.

“It’s not a bad thing,” Dirk swats the pillow away. He reaches over and ruffles John’s dark hair in an affectionate manner like Dirk’s own older siblings will do to him whenever Dirk is upset.

“It’s cute and fun and it means you get away with lots of stuff.”

John still wears the insult on his face as he scoots to the edge of the bed. Their legs dangle over the edge of the bed and John’s chest twists when he notices that Dirk’s feet already touch the ground.

He pushes his thick-rimmed glasses up the bridge of his nose and sighs.

“Yeah, but,” he sighs again, “You’re going to sixth grade next year and then I really will be too little. You’re going to hang out with all of the other big kids and you and Jane are going to forget all about me.”

Dirk scoffs, “I don’t think Jane could forget about you. She’s your sister and you live with her. I’ve tried forgetting about Rose and that’s never worked.”

John lets out a short laugh and Dirk can’t help but smile to himself. He has always thought that John has one of those faces that just doesn’t look right when they’re sad. Like his big sister Roxy. When she gets sad it makes Dirk think that everything is sad.

“Hey,” Dirk says hopping off the bed, “Let’s go play hide and seek.”

Despite John being a terrible hider (or Dirk is too good of a seeker), they have fun. Dirk finds it difficult not to fall into John’s infectious enthusiasm for the game. And while he wouldn’t admit it to anyone, Dirk enjoys pretending he’s Detective Conan on the case.

John prefers to hide anyways. Whenever he’s the one looking for Dirk, it takes way too long and makes the game a little boring. John likes the feeling of anticipation that he can’t contain whenever he sees Dirk’s shadow move around and he can hear the light sound of Dirk’s muttering getting closer and closer to wherever John hides.

So when Dirk starts to count John takes off.

He runs as fast as he can through the house and out into the back yard. Dirk said this was the last round and before they play Mario Kart-- John knows he needs to make it count.

His blue sneakers light up green as he hops around assessing a new and ideal hiding location for himself.

The back yard is full of John’s typical hiding spots. There are a few trees and hedges that might work but John has already hidden behind those today. He looks at the dad-approved spots for playing in the backyard and feels the anxious frustration that comes with the pressure of a countdown bubble up.

Dirk is getting closer to the number 100 when John spots a non approved location. The realization makes John feel particularly proud of himself; hiding in a not dad-approved spot behind the tool shed? Dirk will never find him!

John sprints past the scattered and mostly abandoned playground pieces toward the toolshed. It sits under a treelined corner, which hides everything perfectly under the shade of overgrown bushes and machinery. His dad says he should stay away from that side of the house since it is full of sharp and hard metal tools, but John isn’t a baby and he can absolutely handle hiding behind some old walls.

When he sees Jake, John’s first instinct is to drop low and hide. Mostly out of habit, since he feels like the older kids are always hiding something from him but John also hides out of curiosity.

John isn’t entirely sure what is happening. His mind briefly forgets that he’s supposed to be hiding from Dirk, but instead his mind races with questions about what Jake could possibly doing behind the shed.

John shifts his weight and leans over enough to get a better view. His eyes go wide at the sight.

He’s never seen people kiss outside of some movies and for a moment John thinks that they are just whispering really close to each other. It’s not until Jake’s hand moves up and readjusts their angle, that it clicks for John.

Jake is kissing Dave, Dirk’s big brother.

John is halfway to a loud gasp that gets cut off as Dirk covers his mouth with his hand. His eyes are just as wide as John’s and he can’t help but think that it’s the most expressive he’s seen his friend be in a while. John takes in the additionally rare view long enough that he forgets his initial scandal for a moment. He fixates on the bright blush that covers Dirk’s face.

Dirk swallows hard before he looks away from where his brother is kissing John’s older cousin. When he looks down, John is staring at him confused.

He takes John’s hand and as quiet as possible, leads him back toward the house. As soon as their feet touch the bricks of the back patio, both boys sprint into the house tripping over each other and past John’s confused sister, until they reach John’s mess of a bedroom.

“What was that!” John shrieks.

Dirk hushes him and pushes John toward the window. Dirk crouches down so that he can barely look over the window sill.

“Don’t just stand there,” Dirk means to sound annoyed but his voice trails with distraction.

John watches Dirk quietly and wonders what he’s thinking about. He looks a little more like his regular self, compared to the surprised expression from earlier, if not maybe a little bit more serious.

“That was weird right?” John whispers after a moment. “Boys aren’t supposed to kiss boys, right?”

Dirk turns and rests his back against the wall. “I dunno,” he mutters, “Says who?” Dirk stares down at his hands as if in deep thought.

John squints his eyes and tries to remember, “I think Zack, the one in Mr.Jenkin’s class, said so.”

Dirk rolls his eyes, “Zack is an idiot. Don’t listen to what he says. He ate dirt once and didn’t even get paid for it.”

John hums in agreement and sits down next to his friend.

“So, not weird? That your big brother and my cousin were, were kissing?”

Dirk shakes his head slowly, almost as if he’s unsure of his own answer.

“I can’t imagine kissing anybody! So gross.” John huffs.

Dirk spares a cautious glance at John and feels relief when he sees John’s toothy grin.

“I mean, eventually, maybe,” John blushes, “I guess I am too little for kissing,” he taps his forehead and thinks, “But so are you!” he rushes, “You too Dirk, you’re too little to kiss. Just because you’re in fifth grade doesn’t mean you can kiss people. Jake is like, a hundred--”

“He’s sixteen,”

John gasps, “That’s still old! So best bro pact, right now, no kissing! Anyone!”

Dirk stares down at John’s offered pinky. His head is still swimming with rapid-fire questions that his brain tries to catalog as fast as they form.

“Dirk!” John hisses, “Promise!”

There’s something about John’s urgency that clears Dirk’s mind.

“Okay,” Dirk concedes and John beams with satisfaction. “But! You can’t tell anyone about what we saw! Best bro promise! You gotta swear on your signed Stay-Puft action figure.”

In the distance, they can hear someone call for Dirk.

“Only if you promise on your secret my little pony collection that you won’t kiss anybody!”

“Ever?”

“Ever!” John shrieks at the same time Jane calls for Dirk.

Dirk wraps their pinkies together and meets John’s determined eyes one more time.

---

John doesn’t really think about kissing much after that.

And he only ever thinks about boys kissing when Jake comes out a year later.

The dreams where John is the one hiding behind the tool shed kissing a faceless blond boy with warm skin and chapped lips won’t start for a few years.

#DirkJohn #Childhood friends #Homestuck AU #I have variations of this written down in three different notebooks #as much as I wanted to write something that made chronological sense or #at least made sense to the plot of my planned AU #this kept manifesting #anyways...i'm a sucker for stories about friends #i have middle school dirk john also half written in three other notebooks.

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chaotic-wanda · 4 years

Text

Hope Of It All

Pairing: Bucky x reader

Prompt: “I need to know that it’s possible that two people can stay happy together forever.”

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: mentions of cheating, lots of angst, but I swear it ends fluffy (y’all should be proud of me for that)

A/N: Surprise! Here’s the Bucky fic I promised forever ago. Sorry for the delay, school and work is kicking my ass currently. So this is for @hopesbarnes 1k challenge (it’s super late, i’m sorry). Congratulations on the milestone!! If you’re not following her yet, you should be. This has not been proofread.

Y/N knew she was acting paranoid. She watched with close eyes as Bucky made the other agent laugh, the younger girl twirling her hair between her fingers and batting her eyes at him. He’s always been friendly with everyone he meets. So why was it bothering her so much now? And why did he have to make the girl laugh so much? Y/N tore herself away from the interaction playing out in front of her, opting to take a stroll outside instead.

There had been an obvious shift in her attitude since she got back from visiting her sister. She thought she had been doing a good job hiding it, but, anyone who knew her could tell something was off, even Vision. Instead of the happy and bubbly personality they were used to, she had grown tremendously quiet, withdrawing more into herself with each passing day. Bucky had noticed immediately, but whenever he would ask her about it, she would simply shrug and say she was fine.

As she walked, Y/N looked at the leaves that were already beginning to change color. Fall had always been her favorite holiday. The promise of change and being able to start fresh always made her feel rejuvenated. But as she kept walking, she pulled her cardigan tighter around herself, feeling bitter about the changes this time around.

She’d been so excited to see her sister and her family. Her brother-in-law was the closest thing she had to a brother and she loved her nephews as if they were her own children.

Bucky had laughed at how excited she was while she packed.

“You talk to your sister every day and yet, you’re acting as if you haven’t seen her in years.”

He watched her from the bed as she ran back and forth in their shared room, looking for a particular sweater to pack. She rolled her eyes at his statement but still couldn’t seem to wipe off the neverending grin she seemed to have for him. “This is different! We get to have wine nights in person and I can dance around with my nephews while having our sing-a-longs.”

Grabbing her as she passed, Bucky pulled her into his lap while wrapping his arms around her. “I would gladly do all of that with you and then you wouldn’t have to leave me for a week,” he whispered softly, barely brushing his nose with hers. Y/N smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and softly brushed her fingers through the back of his hair.

“Mmm as tempting as that sounds…” she started kissing up his jaw causing Bucky to shiver underneath her before leaning into his ear, “you’re not as cute as the 4 and 6 year old boys waiting for me.”

She grinned as she tried to pull away from him quickly but he was always faster than her. He threw her on the bed effortlessly as she giggled. Caging her in, he peppered her face with kisses as she kept laughing. He pulled back slightly with a soft smile as he watched her catch her breath.

“I’m trying very hard not to be jealous right now.”

Y/N grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, pulling his lips down to barely meet hers. “There’s no reason to be jealous baby, I’ll always come home to you at the end of the day.” That’s all he needed to hear as his lips softly crashed into hers…

Her excitement for the trip however had been ruined the moment she’d gotten to her sister's house. What she thought she’d be welcomed with were warm welcomes and hugs to go around for days. Instead, she found her sister alone, with tear stained cheeks and a look of heartache and exhaustion. Y/N quickly learned the kids were with their grandparents and her brother-in-law… well he had been staying at a hotel.

An affair. Y/N was still having a hard time grasping the truth. The harsh reality of her favorite couple coming down around her. They had practically raised her during her high school years and supported her with every endeavor she chose to follow after her parents divorce. They were the only reason she had believed in love to begin with after learning about her mother's cheating habits. It was the one healthy couple she’d ever had involved in her life, and it all turned out to be a lie.

She’d stayed with her sister for longer than she had planned, only leaving when her sister swore that her best friend was coming to stay. But even as she left, she couldn’t help but feel like everything she had believed in was a lie. It had turned out that once your sister revealed the affair that many of the people in her friends group had one as well. Out of six couples, four had an affair that affected their marriage. Her sister and brother-in-law did everything right and always seemed so in love but it still didn’t work out. So what was the point of love if someone was always going to get hurt anyway? She’d lost her trust in anyone it seemed.

Y/N had always been wary of being in a relationship, the trust issues of her pass always seeming to build walls and keep people out. It had taken Bucky years to knock every obstacle down, but to him it had been worth it. Now the walls seemed higher than usual and he wasn’t sure how to bring them back down. Later that day, they silently got ready for bed, Y/N’s back turned towards him as she changed. The emotional distance made him feel sick to his stomach.

He slowly walked towards her and reached for her hand. She visibly flinched and he quickly drew his own hand back as quickly as he’d reached out. He was trying to hide the hurt that was evident across his face but she couldn’t even bring her eyes to look at him.

“Doll… please tell me what’s going on. If I did something, I’m sorry but I can’t fix this if I don’t know why you’re so upset.”

She stayed silent, leaving the room in a state of uneasiness as they both internally fought with themselves. She desperately wanted to tell him everything. About what happened and how scared she was that they would fall into the same fate. That one day he wouldn’t want her anymore. That she wouldn’t be enough. Bucky trying and failing to think of how to make this better.

Slowly, he lifted her chin with his finger. Her eyes finally met with his and Bucky couldn’t help but feel his heart break as he saw the turmoil within them. Before she could push him away, he quickly pulled her into a heated kiss. She met him with just as much passion, teeth clashing and desperation mixed in. Suddenly, Y/N thought of everything that had recently happened. Between her sister, Bucky with the agent earlier, and all of her fear and insecurities that were consuming her, she came to her senses and yanked herself away, keeping him at arm's length.

Keeping her eyes on the ground to hide the tears in her eyes, she hoarsely mumbled, “I think I’m going to go sleep in my old room tonight.” She made a quick exit and slammed the door before Bucky could even get a word out. The tears freely and swiftly ran down her face now as she choked back the sobs. She wanted more than anything to believe that Bucky truly loved her. He’d never given her a reason to doubt that. But she couldn’t help but think he’d leave her in the long run. It was better to have her heartbroken now than later down the road.

Bucky stared at the door praying she’d come back any second now. He knew he could chase after her but it’s like his feet were stuck to the ground. He had hoped that maybe after the past couple of weeks she’d finally open up and instead, she had shut him out even more. Running both hands through his hair, he tried to calm his racing heart before letting out a frustrated yell. He dropped himself on the edge of the bed, cradling his head in his hands as he kept trying to figure out where it all went wrong.

It had been over a week since their last exchange. Y/N opted for staying in her old room and every time he’d walk into the same room, she’d get up to leave. It broke his heart, but he didn’t want to be even more of a bother to her by chasing her down. The two of them moped around for days, always staring at each other longingly when the other wasn’t looking. The rest of the team was either concerned or annoyed by the lack of communication between the two. Sometimes a mixture of both.

“Sam, you’ve got to talk to her. Figure out what’s going on,” Steve insisted.

“How am I going to make a difference?”

“Are you kidding? You’re like a brother to her!”

“Yeah well you’re Bucky’s best friend. Why don’t you talk to him?”

“Because Bucky doesn’t talk when he’s upset.”

“Well neither does Y/N!”

The two bickered back and forth until Natasha finally snapped, “Enough! Sam, you’ll talk to Y/N and Steve you’ll talk to Bucky. It shouldn’t be this difficult.” Both nodded in agreement, not wanting to risk making her any more annoyed than she already was.

That’s how Sam found himself at Y/N’s door, knocking lightly and waiting for a response. He heard rustling but still didn’t receive an answer so he knocked once more. When he still didn’t receive an answer, he threw open the door. He was met with a pouting Y/N.

“Go away, Sam.”

“Nope. You’re gonna get your infuriating ass out of bed and we’re gonna go for a walk.”

She pulled the covers over her head like it would tune him out. He watched her as he brought his hands to rest on his hips. “Really? You think I won’t drag you out of this bed?” When he didn’t receive a response he sighed before making his way to the bed and yanking the covers off.

“Sam!”

“Get up and let’s go.”

She begrudgingly agreed, knowing she wouldn’t win this battle since he was so determined.

They walked along the path just outside of the compound, words barely being spoken. Sam wasn’t sure what to say and she wasn’t sure where to start. They would mildly chat about random things until the tension grew too much for Sam’s liking. Once they reached the lake, he decided it was time to level with her.

“Alright baby girl, what’s going on? You’ve got me worried. Hell, you’ve got everyone worried.”

She shrugged, not daring to look at him but instead out at the water. “I don’t know what you mean.” Sam couldn’t stop the full belly laugh that came out of him.

“Y/N I hate to break it to you but the only person on this team who is good at hiding things is Natasha. You’re closer to the bottom of that scale.” The comment made her smile slightly before the tears overcame her as she remembered why they were really out here. So she told him everything. About how her brother-in-law cheated, how she started feeling hopeless about relationships and saw that agent flirting with Bucky right afterwards, and especially about how she started pushing Bucky away before he realized he didn’t want her anymore.

After explaining everything, she looked up at Sam with tears in her eyes, “I just… I need to know that it’s possible that two people can stay happy together forever.” She then dropped her head into her hands in an attempt to hide her tear stained face.

Sam sat with her in silence for a while and tried to rub her back in comfort. He was upset that she had kept so much to herself, knowing she had a tendency to let things fester until it became too much, but even more upset that he didn’t push like he knew he should have. Letting out a sigh, he turned towards her and grabbed her hands, “I can’t promise that it’ll last forever. It takes a lot of communication and a lot of work. But what I can promise you, Bucky loves you. He loves you so much he would go to the end of the earths for you. Shutting him out won’t solve anything and you’ll lose him before you realize it’s too late.”

Y/N took in a shaky breath as she nodded her head. “I don’t want to lose him, Sam. He means everything to me” she whispered.

“Then go get your man and tell him everything you just told me,” he stood up and pulled her up with him. She gave him the faintest of smiles and threw her arms around his neck.

“Thank you, Sam.” After releasing him from her grip, she rushed towards the house in an attempt to find Bucky.

She looked in several rooms and even asked Steve if he knew without any luck. She finally made her way to their shared bedroom and slowly opened the door. She sighed in defeat as she found it empty but still made her way in, looking around the room. It was strange how it felt foreign to her at the moment. Seeing her favorite sweater of Bucky’s laying on the chair, she grabbed it and slipped it over her shirt, taking in the smell of him. She’d miss that scent and they way he’d hold her close. Y/N slowly sank to the bed and curled up on his side, thinking he’d come in eventually and she’d be there waiting.

She waited as the seconds passed into minutes which turned into hours. Sighing to herself in defeat since Bucky still hadn’t shown up, she slowly pushed herself off the bed. She lost him and had no one to blame but herself. Herself and her stupid insecurities. Y/N wiped the tears off her face but they fell quicker than she could catch them. Once she finally collected herself enough to be seen, she briskly walked out the door and to her own room.

The second she made it in, she slammed the door and slid to the ground. Sobs racked through her at the realization of her mistake that she couldn’t hear the feet running towards her. She felt hands clutching her arms and a voice asking, “Y/N what’s wrong?” Finally clearing the tears, she saw that Bucky was eye level with her.

She reached out her hand to softly brush against his cheek, “Bucky? What are you doing here?”

He grabbed her hands to lift her up before slowly leading her to the bed. Once she was settled, he found her some tissues to help wipe away the tears before settling in next to her. “I wanted to talk to you and when I couldn’t find you anywhere, I figured waiting here until you came back was my best option.” Y/N let out a slight laugh as she used the tissues to dab the tears from her eyes. “What’s so funny?”

She slowly reached for his hand and as he worked to intertwine their fingers, she smiled up at him. “Would you believe it if I said I had been doing the exact same thing?” He slightly smiled back before turning back to their hands, rubbing his thumb along hers. It was always the slightest sign of his anxiety getting to him and it broke her heart knowing she was the cause of it. “Buck, I’m so sorry for the way I’ve been acting.”

“What have I been doing wrong?” the look in his eyes as he asked the questions felt like a knife running down her chest.

“Nothing! I swear, it was all me.” She attempted to pull him closer without actually ending up in his lap. Bucky looked down once more, and she could tell he didn’t believe her. Letting go of his hand, she gently placed both of hers on his cheeks in order to get him to look at her. “Please… you have to believe me when I say it’s nothing you did.”

“Then why did you push away from me? You know I’m always here for you. And you even flinched when I tried touching you not even a week ago.” Her cheeks flamed up at the accusations. She knew he was right and she truly felt shitty for it.

“I know I don’t have the right to ask... In fact you could walk out of this door and never speak to me again and it still wouldn’t be enough for the way I’ve treated you… but can you just hold me?” her eyes were pleading and she looked at him with such desperation. Bucky didn’t even give it another thought though as he laid back and brought her with him. With an arm wrapped around her, he pulled her in close so that she could snuggle up closer to him. She rested her head on his chest just under his chin then grabbed his free hand with her own, working to intwine their fingers. Bucky was calm and understanding, and she knew he deserved better than her.

A few seconds passed as she gathered her courage. “When I went to my sisters house, it felt like everything had gone to hell. She told me how her husband had cheated on her and she just looked so… broken.” Her voice quivered and Bucky pulled her in even tighter if it was possible. He knew that they had been a role model of romance for her growing up. “It just made me believe that love was hopeless. If they couldn’t make it, then who could? And then I got home and I saw that agent all over you. Despite the fact it was obvious you weren’t flirting back, it’s like my mind just shut down. All of my fears and insecurities cruelly took over me and I was worried that we were destined for the same fate. As if you were already growing tired of me.”

Bucky adamantly shook his head despite her not being able to see then pulled away just enough that he could look her in the eyes. “Doll, I don’t want anyone else. You know I easily get sick of other people, but I’m not sick of you. Ever. I’m actually pretty in love with you.” Her eyes closed to let the words sink in and she couldn’t control the few tears that found their way out. He pulled her up higher so that they could be face to face, gently stroking her cheek with his thumb. “Out of everyone I’ve ever known, you’re the only person I want to spend every day of my life with and that’s counting Steve.” She laughed at his statement and the grin on his face grew at hearing that sound.

Her eyes met with his own as she placed her hand over his. She took a mental picture, wanting to remember this particular moment in spite of the ugliness and hurt that had been caused because it also came with hope and love. “What are you thinking about, baby?” Bucky’s voice coaxed her out of her own thoughts.

“I’m pretty in love with you too. I’m sorry I’ve been acting like an idiot.”

He brushed his nose slightly again hers, hovering right about her lips. “Promise me you’ll always talk to me when doubt starts creeping in? I’ll be sure to knock it right back out,” he whispered against them. She nodded and not even a moment later her lips crashed onto his, letting go of everything that had held her back. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her on top of him as he kissed her back with just as much ferocity, tongues tracing each other as if they were trying to learn each other once more. They both pulled away once the burning in their lungs became too much. Letting out huffs of air, they still didn’t let go. Y/N began leaving soft kisses along his face before meeting at his lips and giving him a soft peck.

They spent the rest of the night curled up into each other, catching up on everything that had happened from the past few weeks while sharing a few kisses here and there, only ceasing their discussion as eyelids grew heavy and sleep overcame them. And for the first time in what felt like a long time, she finally slept through the night while holding onto the man she loved and who she knew loved her just as much. All the fears and insecurities that once drowned her now easily had slipped away and was replaced with the hope of all they would become.

Tagging: @winterprincess-sky @bugsbucky

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes angst #bucky barnes oneshot #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes fanfiction #rogvewitch1k

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ladynestaarcheron · 4 years

Text

Invisible String - Chapter One

ao3 - ff.net - masterpost

back on my bullshit, y’all! got a new multi-chap. here’s a summary:

There's no love lost between Nesta Archeron and the Cauldron. It stole life from her, so she stole Death from it. But not long after the war, Nesta realizes it gave her something, too: a mate.

Nesta knows any gift the Cauldron gives her is only for the worst, and it doesn't take very much to see how, so she does her best to keep it to herself. When someone's truth magic reveals her secret, and a number of relationships pay the price, Nesta knows what she has to do: destroy the mating bond.

On her journey to new lands, Nesta learns her own soul and discovers how her fate is decided, and whether love works into that equation at all.

and without further ado here’s chapter one!

---

It is, like most things, not Nesta's fault when her mating secret gets out.

People mock her for that, she knows. Roll their eyes. She knows they think her childish, that she's not taking responsibility for her actions. But she rarely acts at all; perfectly content to sit quietly on an armchair by herself, reading a book. It's the whole rest of the world that seems determined to keep her from peace.

When she feels it dawn upon her, like a sort of snap in her soul, she innately knows something is wrong. It's not something she wants. Not that it's something she wants but doesn't think she deserves, not something she wants but not right now, just something she does not want.

First of all, the idea sickens her. Especially when she looks at Feyre. Her soul tied to another, whether she likes it or not. It's not equal, despite what her sister thinks. It can't be equal, not when there's centuries'-perhaps millenia's-worth of bloody history, of male violence and aggression. Playing into that makes her want to vomit.

Second, this is not her choice, as Feyre now loves to say. This is that thing's choice-the Cauldron. And obviously, something that hated Nesta as much as the Cauldron did doesn't want anything good for her. So it has to be the wrong choice.

And she knows it with every pulse of blood, every link of bone. He is wrong for her. It's to punish her; that's why the Cauldron did it. It looked and saw what would hurt her the most, hurt her loved ones the most. And forced him upon her.

Well. She's not going to have any hand in it. And she's kept that up for months, with not so much as a word to anyone, and avoiding him at all costs, so there's no chance of him confronting her about it, in case he suddenly changes his mind.

But Elain's got some ridiculous dinner planned, and she can't afford to risk hurting her anymore than she already has, so she goes. And he's there-they're all there.

Nesta sits by Elain, with their backs to the open window. Cassian is on the other end of the table, but he is pointedly looking anywhere but her. Especially at Mor, right next to him.

Fine. That's just fine. She doesn't care.

"This is delicious, Elain," Rhys says to her, and she beams at him, taking the dish and passing it to Azriel on her other side.

They compliment her in turn, more gentle than Nesta normally sees them. Even Amren. She knows Feyre, switching between gazing lovingly at Elain and surveying all of them from the head of the table with narrowed eyes, has something to do with it. While Nesta thinks she herself can never be too vigilant with Elain's feelings in her-er-fragile state, she's not sure she trusts Feyre to handle the situation properly.

As she tilts her head back to drink from the glass of wine she's poured herself, the gust of wind that blows in through the back window teases a strand out of her braid, and she knows she's right not to. Because Feyre stiffens, looks at her, and says, "What's that in your hair?"

Everyone turns to Nesta, and it's all she can do to keep her face from burning. "It's called a coronet," she says through gritted teeth, knowing full well that's not what Feyre means.

"No. That smell."

"Vanilla scented soap," she says coldly.

Feyre's mouth parts open a little. "Are you...mated?"

"Of course not," she snaps.

Nesta keeps her eyes determinedly away from them all-from their wide eyes, white faces. What right do they have, anyway?

Another slight breeze strengthens Nesta's scent in the room-and they can smell it on her. Smell him. And this ridiculous...this unwanted...bond.

"It's Az." Cassian's voice is flat, hollow, seems to echo in the otherwise silent room as they all register what he said.

Nesta doesn't entertain their silence. "Of course it is not," she says forcefully.

Morrigan lets out a small gasp. "It is," she says, voice catching.

Nesta swears inwardly. Her stupid truth magic. She had forgotten.

There's nowhere to look now. Not at either of her sister's faces-one desperately trying to catch her eye, one staring at her lap, unmoving; not at Rhysand and Amren looking at each other; not at Morrigan, whose eyes are flickering between her and Azriel; not Azriel himself, for she has never wanted anything to do with him and she will not start now; and most of all, not at Cassian.

In a most unbecoming display, Nesta, hands curled against the table, shoves herself backwards-Feyre flinches at the sound of the chair scraping against the floor-launches herself up, and, seething, sweeps violently out of the room.

She can barely see, for all the anger burning her vision. Can't hear, either, for the roar in her ears, but she knows her sister well enough not to be taken by surprise when she leaps out in front of her.

"Nesta!" Feyre cries. "I'm so sorry-I had no idea-I'm sorry, I-"

"When are you going to learn," she hisses, "not to intervene in matters that do not concern you?"

Feyre's eyes shine silver-this she did not expect. "I'm sorry-I thought-I thought-"

"I know what you thought."

"I'm sorry," she repeats miserably.

Nesta doesn't reply. What is she supposed to say to Elain now? She probably won't show any anger; just retreat even further into herself. Wonderful.

"And Elain..." Feyre says. "Oh, this is all my fault, Nesta!"

"I know that," she snaps.

"I just thought..."

"I'm not interested in hearing your excuses." Her voice is a particular sort of harsh she never uses with her sister.

But Feyre, to her credit, does not flinch. She only closes her mouth, nods once, and says, quiet, sorrowful, "You're right."

This irritates Nesta even more. She knows she's right. She doesn't need to be told. "Go home. Do not talk to Elain," she says.

"Are you going to talk to her?"

"I need to think. Go home."

"What about-?"

"Do as I say." Nesta marches past her and makes her way to her apartment. The walk normally takes longer; she's there within a quarter hour.

She rips her scarf off and throws it down. It doesn't crash, obviously, just falls limply on the floor. Not satisfying. Does little to assuage her anger at...everything.

Such rage she feels. At Feyre for ruining the façade she had built. At circumstance. At Azriel, for existing, for allowing a blossoming something to occur between him and Elain when he knew, he knew they had this stupid bond and obviously that could only ever end in one way: her sister's heartbreak.

And at Cassian. Whenever she leaves her apartment, she can feel his presence somewhere above her, tracking her. He'll find some way to corner her whenever she drags herself to Feyre's house, to irritate her or try to provoke her. How she'd hiss at him and hurl insults to get him to leave her alone. And now what is it that has stopped his incessant obsession of finding her wherever she hides? This thing that she didn't even choose. It's honestly disrespectful, above all. Irking her was his favorite pastime until now, only because she's been marked by some ancient thing.

Then she feels more anger at Azriel, because a part of her isn't angry, it's sorrowful and pitying, and then she realizes-that isn't her. That feeling inside of her own body-it isn't hers! It's his!

And it's...close.

Nesta whips around and rips open her door, some tiny bit of her hoping she is wrong about who it is.

She isn't.

"I came to see how you're doing," he says, in that low, cold voice of his. Cold enough to make her shiver. For all the wrong reasons. Perhaps it takes time to get used to, but they've barely ever spoken.

"I'm fine," she says shortly. Then, "You should not have come."

"We need to talk."

"We do not."

He doesn't offer a retort, only stares at her. If she couldn't feel his ever-present sadness, she wouldn't be able to read him at all.

"I would like to talk, please," he says finally.

Nesta locks her jaw but steps aside to let him pass. He sits down on one of her couches, wings drawn tight against his back-she does not have any of their big armchairs to accommodate them. She takes her seat across from him.

She has not been alone with him very often, but every time, she is struck anew by how it feels when they are together. It feels...like nothing at all. No, worse than nothing. Because this is a mistake. Some magnet inside of her is pulling them together...but she doesn't want it.

"I'm sorry this happened," he says. "I should have taken better precautions. I know we agreed...to keep this between us."

The one time they had spoken, he means. When they both felt the bond snap into place. She had not known what it was, how it worked. He had explained it all to her. Naturally, she had been horrified.

"So now...we're...we're just... we have to..."

"No," he had said firmly. "We don't have to do anything. The mating bond...it's always going to be there. A part of you-us. But we can just ignore it."

"We can ignore it?" Nesta asks, thinking of when she had watched her sister and her own mate, before they had gotten together. Even then Nesta had thought their connection remarkable, how they moved in sync with each other.

She'd been horrified, even without knowing any magic was involved.

"We can," he said. Hesitated. "It's...it might be...there'll always be a pull. But we don't...care for each other like that. So it shouldn't really affect you too much."

"And you?" she'd asked.

"It won't affect me either," he said forcefully.

But he had been wrong. It has affected her-and now it's ruined her.

"What other precautions would you have taken?" she asks. "Was there something we weren't doing?" For she knows they did everything they could. They kept apart, never even spoke about each other to anyone. Everything taken care of...but her meddling baby sister.

He doesn't answer, but she can feel him begrudgingly accept her words. How she loathes this-this invasive, parasitic feeling. It's not as miserable as it might be, of course, neither of them are Daemati, so they aren't constantly bombarded with each other's thoughts like Feyre and Rhysand, but his presence in her mind...his emotions...like she never has a minute to herself anymore.

And he's so cold. Every part of him is so cold. Even when he's happy-when he's listening to Elain chatter about her garden or training with Cassian or doing whatever the hell with Morrigan, whatever she does in her spare time-even then it's a detached, guarded sort of feeling.

"I wanted to tell you I understand you're upset, but there's no reason why things have to change."

Nesta looks at him sharply. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"We are still in agreement regarding our own relationship," he says evenly, "and I know...well, this doesn't have to affect any other relationships we may have."

"Did you come here for reassurance from me? Because you're not going to get any," she says, blunt.

"I believe I was reassuring you."

"You forget," Nesta says, a grim set to her face, "I know when you're lying."

He gives her a rueful smile. "So you do."

They sit in silence for a few minutes before Nesta says, "Look, Elain just needs some space. She's private. But I'll talk to her tomorrow and explain."

He doesn't answer. Why he bothers pretending like he doesn't fancy her sister around her, she doesn't quite understand.

It's not that Nesta wants him to have a relationship with Elain. It's just that she needs Elain to know that there is nothing going on between the two of them and there never has been and there never will be. She tells him as much.

"You are at perfect liberty to tell your sister anything you desire, of course," he says, but she can feel his relief.

"All right," she says, standing up. "That's settled. It'll be fine. But they'll all see we've been this way for months and nothing has happened so nothing needs to change."

"Right."

"Your coming here to speak to me is an outlier," she says. "You should tell them that."

"Would you like me to tell someone?"

Nesta clenches her fists. His tone is careful, measured, but it doesn't matter, because she knows what he's asking.

And her answer is no. Not even a little bit.

"Tell Feyre," she says, "so she doesn't get any more prying ideas."

He nods his head once. He doesn't like how she speaks of Feyre, she knows, but he doesn't say anything, which she appreciates.

Besides, she realizes, pleasantly surprised, he's not too happy with her either.

---

Nesta lets herself into Feyre's riverfront home after a trek through the gardens reveals Elain is inside. Mercifully, she makes it to her room without bumping into anyone.

Perhaps it's less mercy and more everyone is avoiding her, but no matter. She doesn't care. In fact, she prefers it this way.

"Elain?" she calls, knocking softly on her door. She opens it slowly and peeks her head in.

Her sister is lying on her bed, still in her nightthings. She stirs as Nesta sits down next to her.

"Nesta," she says sleepily.

"You're still in bed?" Perhaps her optimism from last night's conversation with Azriel is misplaced.

"No, no, I was just taking a nap."

She's...lying. Elain is lying to her.

And she's in bed at one o' clock in the afternoon.

"Oh," Nesta says. "Well. I just came to talk to you..."

"There's nothing to say," Elain says.

Nesta bites the inside of her cheek. "Yes there is. I need to tell you that Azriel and I are not in a relationship."

"Oh, Nesta-"

"And we don't ever want to be in one."

"It's none of my business, of course-"

"Don't be ridiculous," Nesta says, slightly bewildered. Elain had very much considered Nesta's two or three suitors entirely her business when they were silly human girls; why should this be any different? "But it's not real, anyway. It's a mistake."

Elain goes very still. "It's not," she says quietly.

"Of course it is."

"It is not."

Right. Because the Cauldron loved Elain. So Elain...what, worships that vile thing like everyone else here?

"I think I'm going to shower," Elain says, voice falsely bright. "Are you going to spend the day here?"

Nesta starts at the sudden dismissal. "I...no."

"Oh," Elain says, enough disappointment in her tone that anyone who doesn't know her as well as Nesta does would believe it. "Well, I'll see you soon. And please don't worry, Nesta, dear. Everything's quite all right."

With that, she hurries into the bathroom and shuts the door behind her.

So perhaps, Nesta muses to herself on her walk home, she was wrong about how much time she should give Elain. Perhaps tomorrow she'll be more willing to talk.

Except she isn't.

And not the next day, either, and not the whole week after.

And Cassian's not springing up around the city anymore.

It's only Feyre who talks to her, too much guilt and uncertainty in her darting eyes telling her far more than her words do when Nesta asks her would-be-casually why her Inner Circle no longer stalks various of her favorite haunts and why does she think Elain has once again taken ill and is missing their lunch.

Well. Feyre might stutter through a non-answer, but Nesta knows exactly what the matter is. And she might not know how to solve it herself, but she knows who does.

So three weeks after her secret is let out, Nesta books passage to the Spring Court.

---

Chapter Two

#nesta archeron #nessian #azriel #acotar #so glad to finally be sharing this!#i think of this chapter as more of a prologue really #anyway it'll be short! only four chapters or so

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kenzieam · 3 years

Text

About Last Night - Chapter Two

@jewels2876 @moonbeambucky @jeremyrennerfanxxxx123 @iammarylastar@captstefanbrandt @badassbaker @pinknerdpanda @oliviastan17 @mizzzpink

I know I’m forgetting people, sorry. If you want in, hit me.

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Rating: M

Warnings: Language, general nuttiness, smut, major angst, drama

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FEEDBACK IS LIFE, Y’ALL!

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Lev wakes up the morning after a wild night at the Compound and realizes she hasn’t spent the night alone. The fact that the man unconscious beside her is her most trusted teammate is besides the point, he’s also her best friend and

NOW WHAT THE FUCK DOES SHE DO???

*********************************************************************

Okay, this chapter is just shameless angst and self-pity, mixed in with a healthy dose of Lev’s incredible stupidity and my absolute favourite... cliffhangers.

You’ve been warned....

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Too late, sugar. He’s found someone else.

No. NO.

And there’s nothing you can do about it, her mind sneered.

A cold rush went through Lev and it was all she could do to not leap from the table and run.

She was becoming her mother.

She was letting love cloud her mind, dictate her actions.

No. She wouldn’t give in, she was stronger than that, baptized by the blood of the damned, literally.

If asked later how she managed to stay seated at the table and remain semi-functional, Lev wouldn’t be able to say. She’d become talented in hiding her emotions, stonewalling the therapist her father briefly tried sending her to, and disguising the true depths of her rage and sorrow as she grew from a teenager to hot-headed adult, but even she couldn’t kid herself into thinking she was successfully acting tonight.

Conversation continued without her, for if anyone noticed her discomfiture, they kindly chose to ignore it, not bringing up the fact that every single person at the table, with the exception of Bucky, Lev and Lilly, had fully expected and had in reality placed bets with each other on when their two friends would finally wake up to the attraction between them, knowing that something had gone down after the party, but not what.

Bucky’s new woman was questioned relentlessly, the guise friendly inquiry, covert ‘what the fuck, man?’ glances sent Bucky’s way whenever her attention was diverted with answering and he glowered back defiantly, refusing, with the exception of one scorching glance, loaded with too many emotions to sort out, to look at Lev.

And she felt her skin tingle every time he touched Lilly, rested his arm on her shoulders, brushed her cheek or tucked some of her long blonde hair behind her ear. If he was acting he was doing a hell of a job, there seemed to be a genuine draw between them, especially in the way Lilly would gaze at him, like he’d hung the fucking moon and, as soon as it was polite, Lev excused herself, the few bites of dessert she’d managed to choke down sour in her stomach.

Why the hell was she so upset? SHE’D WANTED THIS! SHE’D WANTED TO MAINTAIN DISTANCE, but not like this, anything but this.

And she hadn’t truly wanted distance, not really, not in the deepest parts of her heart. Once the static had cleared in her head, she’d heard the message loud and clear. Love was dangerous, love was terrifying and made fools of us all, but she would have been safe with Bucky. He wouldn’t have hurt her; he wouldn’t have let her fall. He wouldn’t have passed off lust as love and then thrown her away, driving her to insanity in the form of hysterical suicide.

He would have treasured her the way she always secretly wished to be and, at the first offering of that, she’d slashed with razor claws, wounding him perhaps permanently.

She wished for more Mead, but there was none and she instead spent the night cross-legged on the floor of her quarters, headphones secured to her ears, blasting her most angry and rage-filled death metal playlists, hoping to drown out the tears.

She shouldn’t have left her room the next morning, she wasn’t fucking hungry anyway. But she had, and the punishment had been swift and severe. Giggles preceded her arrival in the kitchen and, if she’d been listening instead of continuing to stew, she would have recognized the deep answering chuckles.

There had only been a few times in Lev’s life when she could honestly say she was breathless with shock. The first had been with her mother, slipping and sliding in her lifeblood as the woman screamed and slashed even more at her shredded forearms; the second had been when Lev had awoke disoriented under blinding lights, agony like hellfire crawling through her veins, a multitude of strange, lab-coat wearing men standing dispassionately above her, the sudden and cold realization that she’d been taken and changed, that her issues had blinded her to life’s bigger dangers and she’d fallen in with the wrong crowd, selected by HYDRA for an experimental program due to her lack of family and the extremely large chip on her shoulder and she was never going to be the same.

The third was when she had been discovered by accident and rescued by the team, half-mad in that underground bunker; her shadowy surroundings suddenly lit up and blinding her like the sun, fevered confusion and disorientation, dangerous-looking strangers all around her, their grunts of pain and surprise when she fought their hands, struggled to understand a language she’d not heard in so long. Fear and animal instinct to defend had taken over, her enhanced body too much for all but Steve and Bucky to restrain and her first real memories of freedom from that hellish cell where she’d languished, cold and slowly going insane had been of strong arms, gentle hands stroking her face and tangled hair, masculine spice and a deep, soothing voice, speaking words she no longer recognized but in a tone that calmed her nonetheless.

The forth, and final time was now, when she turned the corner into the kitchen and stopped dead, like she’d been slapped by the very hand that was currently caressing Lilly’s breast through her half-buttoned shirt, a shirt Lev recognized instantly, even in her shock, as the one she’d bought Bucky months ago because she’d loved how it matched his eyes. Lilly was gasping and mewling, their bodies moving in a sensual, unmistakable rhythm, Bucky’s eyes flaring with heat as they rolled upwards when her lips, hidden by her face tucked into his throat, nibbled in return for his touch and it was devastatingly obvious what they’d spent the night doing, what Lev had probably unintentionally spared herself from hearing all through the dark hours by keeping her headphones on.

What they were still doing.

Lev could smell it on them and there was no way two bodies could twine so close together if they weren’t already connected in the most visceral and primal way possible. His hand fell from Lilly’s breast, but only to drop to her hip, curling around the curve and pulling her closer still, lifting her thigh to hook around his. His eyes raised finally to Lev’s, banked lust making them look like a beast’s eyes, and his jaw clenched, teeth baring as he growled harshly. Lilly moaned as he turned his head to bite at her throat, eyes staying locked on Lev’s almost defiantly, returning the nips with an intensity that made Lilly’s hips roll against his, made her cling even tighter to his body and ratcheting up the sexual heat that was already so thick between them. Seeing Lev seemed to push him to move harder and faster, as if with each heavy thrust of his hips he was snarling at her ‘like what you see? This could have been you.’

Bucky was fucking her against the counter, her ass smacking the edge while he glared coldly over her shoulder, eyes locked with Lev’s, each heavy grunt as he thrust further driving the nail deeper into her heart and something inside her, something that cracked as she’d watched her mother die and had only continued to yawn wider with each successive hit in her life, shattered completely.

************************************************************************************* “So, you’re volunteering to take this mission? The one I haven’t been able to bribe, cajole or threaten anyone else to take on?” Tony raised a brow at Lev, half his attention still directed to a tablet in his hand, feet resting on the edge of his desk, chair tilted back.

“Yes.” Lev waited until Stark reluctantly pulled his eyes from the screen and focussed fully on her. Understanding softened the quizzical lines on his forehead.

“You know, kid… what Barnes is doing, bringing that new girl around-”

“Doesn’t matter, he can fuck whomever he wants.”

“Yeah, but after that party we all figured you two would finally-”

“You know… that shit would have been a little more helpful before all of this. I didn’t realize Bucky felt that way, I didn’t realize I felt that way.”

“Is that why you pushed him away? According to Cap you broke his heart.”

Lev flinched. “I didn’t push him away, okay? I was scared shitless and thought we should stay friends.”

“A man doesn’t look at someone the way Barnes looked at you, if they just want to stay friends.”

And the hits just kept coming. “Again, might have been a little more helpful to me before.”

“Why were you so scared?” Tony changed subjects, tilting his head. “I mean, the Manchurian Candidate isn’t my cup of tea, but he’s never hurt you, even when you were trying so hard to kill all of us in that bunker; if anything, he’d be like a pain in the ass puppy, always loyal and trying to get in your lap.” Understanding dawned. “This have something to do with your parents? You told me their divorce was ugly.”

And then some.

“Nah, their divorce was the standard train wreck, it was what came after; when the guy left her, she uh…. Well, she didn’t take it well.”

Tony arched a brow, waiting patiently and Lev was so tired of holding the weight of her burdened past by herself she gave in and opened her figurative vein.

“When uh…. When the new guy took off, she…. I found her after school one day, blood everywhere and the razor still in her hands. I was trying everything I could to stop the bleeding, to stop her, but all she wanted to do was keep cutting and keep screaming into the phone at the guy, over and over again, ‘is this what you wanted? Are you happy now?’. She… she died in my arms, her last words for him, still yelling at him. I’m not even sure if she knew I was there.”

Tony stared, stunned silent, which was quite a feat for him, and Lev swallowed uncomfortably. She’d not told anyone the whole story, not even her dad or the therapist and she felt her adrenaline beginning to rise as the spectres from her past rattled their chains and threatened to break free again.

“Shit… Lev. You need to talk to someone about that-”

“I need to go on this mission.”

“You need help.”

“The mission.” Lev repeated stubbornly. “Just the mission, Tony, okay? If my mother’s suicide taught me anything, it’s that love is the most dangerous fucking thing out there and if I hadn’t learned it then I sure as fuck did when Bucky showed up with that fucking supermodel. That’s all the help I need. Let me get out of here, clear my head and still be fucking useful as I do it. Please?”

Tony gazed at her, such pain and sympathy in his eyes that Lev was forced to look away, chew hard on her lip to keep from breaking down.

“Okay,” he finally murmured. “I’ll send you out on this one but we’re in on this together, you and me, got it?”

Lev squinted at him, not understanding.

“I’m not going to tell anyone else, but you and I are going to talk, regularly, while you’re out there. I’m keeping an eye on you, kid and when you get back… you gotta talk to someone trained in this, okay? That’s not anything anyone should have to carry alone.”

Lev snorted, trying to disguise how touched she was with more sarcasm. “I’m not carrying it alone; it can haunt your nightmares now too.”

A faint smile, but Tony’s eyes stayed troubled.

“Okay,” Lev conceded. “Now can I go?”

Tony nodded slowly. “Yeah, I got everything set up, if you’re ready now, let’s go.”

“I’m ready now.”

*********************************************************************************** Lev exhaled slowly, fighting the urge to doodle on the notebook in front of her and closed her eyes until the itch passed, then opened them again, squinting as she peered through the scope mounted in front of her.

Forty-three days now of reconnaissance, observation, stakeout…. Boring.

Although it had been in the back of Lev’s mind as the reason why no one else wanted to take this mission, meaning Tony had been about a day away from volun-telling someone they were going, it hadn’t truly hit her until now how epically draining this was.

She had nothing but time now, to think, to analyze and consider.

The communication was iffy, limited, hence the need for someone to stay here and watch the comings and goings of the suspected HYDRA affiliate; setting up remote surveillance simply wasn’t possible, nor feasible to complete the set-up of without drawing suspicion. And rotating teams wasn’t ideal either, so Lev was stuck here, admittedly exactly where she’d asked to be, and she was getting a lot of thinking done.

She had been wrong to push Bucky away, that thought was clear as crystal now after weeks of distilling in her mind while she observed and noted each movement of her quarry.

Even if she’d genuinely wanted to simply stay friends with him, wrong, she had gone about that completely ass-backwards too. There had been happiness in his eyes that morning, the smile on his face hopeful, and she’d squashed it like a bug, squashed his heart like a bug, according to Steve; no wonder he’d returned her pain so cruelly, so harshly. He’d been open and vulnerable in front of her, thinking they’d turned some corner in their relationship, holding out his heart to her that morning and she’d clumsily slapped it to the floor, stomped on with her curt announcement that the magic that had passed between them the night before was a mistake.

God, did she wish she could go back in time.

She’d slap her past self silly in that bathroom, grab her shoulders and order her to not be so fucking stupid and scared, to be the fucking hero she played at being and take that leap of faith, knowing Bucky had already taken the leap and was waiting to catch her on the other side.

It’s too late now, her inner voice whispered.

“Shut up.” She hissed back.

9:32 am – subject takes out the garbage…

************************************************************************************ “So, how’s it going?” Tony asked from the monitor, head tilted to the side. The connection wasn’t the greatest, static crawling across the screen and pulling at his outline, but his voice came through clearly enough.

“I’m bored.”

He snorted, shaking his head. “Dude, why do you think everyone else passed?”

“I know, I know, it’s just…”

“Too much time to think?” Tony offered quietly.

Lev exhaled heavily. “Yeah.”

“I know all about that.” Tony continued softly. Usually at this point he would lead Lev into talking about her issues, not start baring his own demons.

“You too?” Understanding hit her like a truck. “Wait, your parents too, right? I forgot about that.”

Tony nodded. “Yeah, I didn’t walk in on my mother having a psychotic break, but they’re both gone.”

“And Bucky…” she couldn’t finish, shocked that she’d managed to put away this detail and forget it for so long.

“No, The Winter Soldier.” Tony clarified. “I’ve made my peace with that, HYDRA killed my parents, not that lovesick sap I see dragging his sorry ass around the compound all day.”

“Wait, what? Dragging his ass around? He’s got Lilly now.”

“Not anymore. Not sure what happened, but she left a couple weeks ago… not long after you took off, actually.”

“Huh.” Lev pondered this, her confusion deepening. What the hell did that mean? Was it just no fun fucking his girlfriend anymore without Lev standing there watching? “And you just decided to mention it now?”

Tony smiled faintly. “Today’s the first time you’ve even mentioned his name too, kid.”

“Touché…. Wait, you just needed me to stay here and finish the job!”

“Why? Would hearing about Lilly leaving make you want to come back and talk to the guy?” Tony challenged evenly; brow raised.

Shit… it did, didn’t it? That’s exactly what she was steamed about, wasting her time here instead of falling on her knees in front of Bucky and begging for his forgiveness. Still, she hated to let Tony know he was right, he could be such an arrogant prick sometimes. “So. What if it did?”

Tony snorted again, chuckling. “You two, Jesus Christ… Still, I’d appreciate if you could stay a bit longer out there.”

“You owe me, Stark.”

“I do? You volunteered, and now you’re trying to bail? Tough, kid.”

Lev stuck out her tongue, chafing mildly at this responsible adult nonsense.

“Brat,” Tony commented mildly. “Another week, Lev. Please?”

“It’s good to hear you say please.”

“It’ll be even better if you stay there like I asked and then come back and talk to that therapist I set up for you.”

Lev clenched her teeth, debating her response. Knee-jerk told her snarl and tell Tony off, to mind his own business, she’d made all sorts of progress just talking with him, but a deeper part of her knew it was time, she needed to confront and drain this wound, she couldn’t let it’s poison taint her life any further. “Yeah, okay.”

“Don’t sound so damn happy. I’m paying top dollar to keep the best grief counselor on the East Coast on retainer.”

“Thanks.” Lev injected true appreciation in her tone and his expression softened.

“Brat.” He repeated fondly. “I gotta go, talk to you in a couple of days, alright?”

“Yeah,” Lev replied softly, offering a real smile.

************************************************************************************* Lev tried not to hurry, jostle the pack on her back and maybe make too much noise. Nobody was following her, that much she was sure of, but she’d managed over fifty days of surveillance without being discovered and didn’t want to disrupt her streak. Nearing two months in a depressing tenement in a dying Eastern European town had been all sorts of boring, staring out through faded old curtains to the building across the narrow alley, but she’d managed and now it was time to go home. Tony was waiting, with a quinjet, at a site a dozen miles out and Lev was eager to see the man again.

He’d passed on her messages to the team, for Lev had left so furtively and quickly that she hadn’t told anyone else, not even Steve, and he’d relayed their messages back due to the constraints in their communications, but she was eager to see Stark, hell, anyone, in the flesh again. There was only so many games of Solitaire you could play on a dingy tabletop as you kept one eye on the window and Lev had discovered that limit long ago.

But… Bucky.

She still hadn’t spoken to him.

She’d not told him she was leaving; hell, he probably hadn’t even pulled out of Lilly yet by the time she was heading for the jet and there’d been no message from him in the ones Stark had relayed, not that Lev had expected any.

He probably hoped she didn’t come back, and a part of Lev was tempted. But no, she was a part of the Avengers, whether he liked it or not, and she could function as a member of said team even if she no longer had any meaningful contact with the Winter Soldier again. She’d have to figure out a new strategy for when her nightmares tore her from sleep and there would be no more Bucky to save her, as well as what she was going to do now when his nightmares echoed down the halls and she wanted to run to comfort him, but that could be solved easily enough. She could switch floors, sleep with earplugs or just plain gut it out, go cold turkey until the impulses faded, until Steve or Sam or, most likely, nobody’s presence took the place of comfort and support when their mutual nightmares grew to be too much in the dark.

But she’d miss the softness of his voice in the dark as her heart raced, miss the gentle way his hand would stroke across her forehead, thumb rubbing at her cheekbone; his bright, earnest eyes locked on hers as he talked her down, helped her match her gasping breaths to his steady ones.

She’d miss the way he’d cling to her when he was trapped in his own hells. The faint tremble in his massive frame that would start to cease, begin to relax as soon as he sensed her touch, the way his arms would band around her and hold her close, his body wrapped around hers like a shield but his face buried in her neck like a child’s while he grounded himself again. The way he’d murmur her name over and over again like a mantra, soothing himself back to sleep or, more likely, to the faint drowsy, dreamy, pillow talk stage, laying next to each other for hours as night died, talking about everything and anything that seemed too fragile to hold up and not shrivel under day’s harsh glare.

How had she thrown all that away? How had she not seen what everyone else apparently had? Actual physical love and sex had been about the last boundary they’d had, they’d been intimate and close in every other way possible and yet Lev had deluded herself into thinking, no… into telling herself stubbornly, that it was only friendship, that the way she’d sometimes catch Bucky gazing at her were nothing, only projections of the way she sometimes would watch him.

What a fucking idiot.

Christ, she was going to take a hellacious long bath when she got back to the Compound and compose a doozy of an apology to match her depths of remorse.

She glanced at her GPS, saw the jet was mere dozens of feet away now, in a clearing so well hidden she, even so close, still couldn’t see and picked up her pace. Hopefully, Tony brought some of those Cow Tales caramels she was such a whore for like she’d asked.

Pushing through the last break of trees, Lev paused, just admiring for a moment the stark (tee hee) splendour of the sleek jet amidst the woods. With a muted hiss, the ramp descended, and Lev turned her attention to the pilot.

“Tony-” her voice died in her throat.

#bucky #bucky barne #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes angst #au bucky #au bucky barnes #au bucky barnes fanfiction #au bucky barnes fanfic #au bucky barnes angst #bucky and lev #bucky and levi #bucky barnes drama #bucky barnes romance #bucky the morning after #bucky mixed signals

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theydontknowaboutusimagines · 4 years

Text

Sunflower - Harry Styles AU Series (Volume 4)

The year is 1977 and it’s officially summertime. Y/N is spending it with her family at the Malibu Breeze Hotel, where she meets, aspiring musician, Harry Styles. The two clash in the beginning, but soon realize they may just need each other in the end. Find out just how life changing one summer can be in Sunflower, a Harry Styles AU.

Here is part 4 of Sunflower. Hope you enjoy it!

Vol. 1 Vol. 2 Vol. 3

Word Count: 1.9k

The night of the show at The Soundbooth, I couldn’t sleep, no matter how hard I tried. I tossed and turned under the bedsheets, but my body never once gave in to sleep. The next day, my mind was still racing and adrenaline coursed through my veins from the events the night before. However, I soon realized it wasn’t just from performing on stage, but from who I was performing with. I could deny all I wanted and say that Harry wasn’t attractive or that I didn’t feel butterflies in my stomach or my heart would start to race whenever I was around him, I would be lying.

I was afraid of running into either Jasper or Harry at the resort, so I stayed in my room most of the day. Rehearsals started later that night and I was both excited and anxious to go. After we got off stage last night, no one really talked about what had just happened, not with me at least. Marianne could sense something was up with me, but she didn’t press the issue to try and find out what it was.

Part of me wonders if it’s because she could tell I wanted space or because she couldn’t be bothered with it. I would like to believe it was the former, but our budding relationship is still new, so I couldn’t exactly rule the latter out either. I sighed heading out to the balcony. We had a spectacular view of the beach and ocean. The sound of the waves sounded louder from here, almost as if it were an echo.

I closed my eyes taking in the swoosh of the waves as they crashed along the shore and the breeze against my skin. Once again my thoughts went to Harry and how it felt singing with him. I’ve never sang a duet with someone before, but I still knew that what I felt wasn’t normal or something that happens a lot. The longer I sat there, enjoying the sun kissing my skin, I suddenly got the inspiration to write a song.

Getting up from my chair, I went back into the room to get my guitar and notebook. Very seldom did words and a melody just flow out of me so quickly, but when it did, it became my best song I’ve ever written. And as I spent the rest of the day perfecting it, I knew it without a doubt this was my song, the song that would eventually put me on the map.

By the time rehearsals came around, the high I felt from the show was gone and replaced with nerves. I had stayed in my room all day, accomplishing my goal of not running into Harry, Jasper, or anyone else that may have been at The Soundbooth. Although, looking back at it now as I stood outside the door, I kinda wish I had already gotten the initial meeting over with earlier.

But it was too late now and I just had to make the best of it. I took a deep breath before knocking on the door. I thought we would have been rehearsing in the same building the audition was at, but it ended up being one of the member’s cabins. I wasn’t sure how that would work out though. I figured I probably should finally knock because if anyone was in there waiting for me, they could probably see me anyway. It was already going to be awkward enough, I don’t want to seem like I’m trying to talk myself into knocking on the door even though that’s exactly what I’m doing.

The old, rickety screen door rattled as I tapped my hand against it.

“It’s open!” I heard someone shout from the other side.

I wasn’t sure who the muffled voice belonged to, but if I had to guess it was Jasper. I turned the knob on the door to open it and walk through the main door into the tiny living room. There was an old, burnt orange leather couch taking up the majority of the room, while a few beach chairs and a small coffee table filled the rest.

“Hey,” Jasper said, walking over, beer in hand.

“Sorry, I’m late,” I said, tightening my grip on my guitar case.

“No problem,” He shrugged. “We’re still waiting on Harry to get his ass here. He had to work a double today.”

Mentally my eyes widened realizing there was no way he had gotten any sleep between the show last night and now.

“So, I didn’t see you round today,” Jasper stated, taking a swig of his beer.

We walked through the cabin, which appeared bigger than I previously thought, but also still too small to have rehearsals in.

“Oh, yeah, I uh, I had some stuff to do. I didn’t get out much today,” I told him as I followed behind.

“Cool,” he shrugged.

We walked back to the small outdoor porch where the rest of the band sat around with guitars and beers in hand. Seeing them in this setting, made them seem more intimidating and made me feel like I didn’t fit in.

“Y/N, hey,” Sarah smiled waving her drum sticks in my direction.

“Hey,” I waved, nodding at the rest of the band.

“You fucking smashed it, last light,” she smiled. “Come sit, want a beer?”

“Um… sure,” I told her as I walked over to join her at the empty seat.

She opened her mouth to say something, but quickly stopped to look behind me. I followed her gaze to see Harry standing there. He looked exhausted, wearing a white tank top with his uniform trousers and his Malibu Breeze shirt in his hands, but he still made my heart race and my stomach flutter with butterflies.

“Nice to see everyone here,” he stated, looking right at me.

“Same here,” Jasper said, throwing Harry a beer, who instantly catches it without a flinch.

“Okay, let’s get down to business shall we?” Jasper asked standing in the front.

Harry sat down beside Mitch and on the opposite side of me. I turned my body to look at Jasper, but I can feel Harry’s gaze on me. I wondered if he’s thinking about what happened last night and if he does, in fact, feel something between us. Wait a minute… what was I saying? That I have feelings for him? There’s no way, I don’t even know him.

But there was something last night. I can’t explain it and I’m afraid to ask him or anyone for an explanation. I glance out of the corner of my eye to look at him, but he quickly adverts his gaze to Jasper and I do the same.

“Last night was one of our best shows in awhile, agreed?” Jasper noted.

I don’t agree, but I do look around to see everyone’s reaction. Everyone’s nodding, but Harry’s looking at me, no, staring right at me.

“Yeah, it was,” Harry said. “And you had a lot to do with it.”

“Oh, I uh, I don’t know about that. Y’all are really great, groovy, I’ve played together for years, I just did one song,” I shrugged, hoping my face wasn’t as red as it felt.

“But that one song was fucking amazing,” Mitch spoke up, causing everyone to turn their heads. “Oh fuck off. I do speak, you know.”

I hold back a smile at that, “Thank you, but I didn’t really do anything… and it’s not like it’s my song either.”

“You made it your own though,” Harry said. “And you had that crowd eating out of your fucking hands…”

I couldn’t tell if he was annoyed with me or paying me a compliment. Either way, I felt my face getting even redder and I really hoped it wasn’t noticeable.

“Look, I uh, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity I don’t want to fuck things up, I just want to play music,” I tell them.

“Well, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get rehearsals started, yeah?” Jasper said.

The rest of rehearsals is more than I could have imagined. We joked around, ate pizza, and messed around on our guitars as I learned more of their songs. I didn’t realize how late it was until I could hear music over the loudspeaker on the other side of the cabin. Apparently, there was a party amongst the staff every night. Jasper, Mitch, and Sarah had already made their way out to join the party, while I cleaned up, putting my guitar back in it’s case.

I had assumed Harry had already left as well, until he appeared right before me.

“You can stay for the party,” he said.

“Oh, um, maybe next time,” I said putting a strand of hair behind my ear and out of my face. “It’s already late, I should get going.”

“Ah, right, parents,” He said.

I wish that weren’t the case. The last thing I needed was to come off like a little kid who still did everything Mommy and Daddy told her to do.

“Something like that,” I mumbled.

“Um… do you mind if I walk you back to the hotel?” He asked.

“Don’t you have a party to get to?” I asked.

“Missing one party isn’t going to kill me,” Harry shrugged.

“Um, sure, then, if you don’t mind,” I said.

“I offered didn’t I?” He asked.

I bit my lip with a nod and he took my guitar case from me. We both left the cabin and the partygoers behind us as we walked along the beach in the moonlight. Neither one of us said anything for a bit, however, it didn’t feel awkward. I still decided to break the silence.

“Thank you for uh… walking with me,” I told him.

“No problem,” he said. “Um.. look the reason I wanted to do this was so I could talk to you about last night.”

“Sorry if I uh... overstepped… it was your show,” I started.

“You didn’t,” he said. “And it turned into our show. You-you have a gift… a talent… and I saw it during your audition, but I heard it… felt it last night.”

“Thank you,” I blushed.

“Y/N, I know I’ve been an ass to you,” he sighed. “I just… I really want this, you know. Music is… the only thing I’m good at, so if this doesn’t work out for me, I don’t know what I would do.”

“I know and I don’t want you to think I would try and jeopardize that for you,” I told him.

“I know you wouldn’t,” he said. “Because I can tell you’re a really cool girl.”

“Thank...you,” I said.

We approached The Malibu Breeze sooner than I would have liked, wondering where our conversation might have gone if we were there just a little bit longer.

“Well, we’re here,” Harry said. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you then,” I told him.

He gave me a small smile before turning to head back, “Harry, wait,” I said quickly.

‘Yeah?” He asked looking back.

“You’re not going to join in on the party when you get back are you?” I asked.

“Why?” He asked.

“I don’t know, you uh… just look like you could use a few extra hours of sleep,” I blushed, bringing my hand up to move hair from his face. “Wouldn’t want you to fall asleep on the job, is all.”

He smiled, lighting up the night sky like the moon shining bright on the ocean. “You’re right, I’ll get a good night’s rest, just for you.”

“Promise?” I smirked.

“Promise,” he smiled reaching for my hand to give it a gentle squeeze. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

“Goodnight,” I smiled, standing there for a few moments while I watched him walk back down the beach.

Let me know what you think!!! :) I’m thinking I’m going to do a posting for this every Sunday.

#One Direction Imagines #Harry Styles Imagines #Harry Styles Fanfiction #Harry Styles AU Series #Harry Styles Fan Fic

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scarofthewind · 4 years

Note

If requests are open, could possibly write something for David from The Lost Boys(with a fem reader)??? Doesn’t matter what it’s about, as long as it has a bit of angst and romance;)) lmao love ur writing btw

A/N: Hello everyone, I apologize for taking forever to finally update. I’m back and will try to update more. Requests are open and you can expect that I will be writing for anime every now and then.

David knew from the moment he laid eyes on you that you were the one. Not his victim, but his life- his future. Your laugh seemed to be the only thing he could hear as time endlessly passed around the carousel. The boys were waiting for a signal to start something with a victim but were lost when there wasn’t one. Paul pointed out that David was distracted, but they didn’t know what had his attention. David meant to keep it that way. He wanted no one else to remotely look at you, nevertheless breathe your scent the way he was. It was utter infatuation the moment he saw you.

All good things come to an end. Oh how he wanted the ride to last forever, to watch from afar as you smiled and radiated your beauty from paces away. While you joked and laughed with a friend who was next to you, the ride slowed and David started to become aware of his surroundings again.

He moved forward, only to have his attention caught by the boys who looked confused and irritated. “You alright, man?” Paul asked, looking to see what David was looking at. Nodding, David got off the ride and took one last look at you before walking ahead of his group. They would just have to pick someone later for food.

As you jumped off the ride, your friend walked next to you. “He was totally checking you out!” She smiled. Shaking your head you brushed the conversation off, trying not to watch as he and his friends left the boardwalk.

David spent the next month watching you from afar. He eventually came up with a plan for talking to you but it backfired. You and your friend went to the annual movie on the beach to watch a scary movie; David sat a few yards away, watching every movement you made and hearing everything you said.

Your friend jumped next to you when the movie became intense. “I don’t like these vampire movies. They hit too close to home, you know?” She said gesturing to the surrounding area. Santa Carla was known for its vampire stories after all.

“I can understand that, but do you think vampires are actually this ugly?” You pointed to the screen.

Your friend tilted her head in thought and nodded, “They probably are. That’s why they only come out at night too because no one wants to see their ugly mugs in the day.”

You laughed at your friends over exaggeration. “They are all monsters anyway,” she said.

“I guess you’re right.” You said, feeling a shiver go up your spine. You quickly turned to look behind you, but all you saw were the beach waves. Goosebumps rose along your skin and you scanned the area, catching glimpse of a figure in the distance walking away.

“Are you okay?” Your friend asked, concerned to what you were looking at.

When he finally disappeared from sight you nodded, “Yeah. I’m fine.”

The gang had never seen David so upset. He wasn’t angry, he was just sad. “Dude you’re suffocating me.” Paul groaned from across the room. The cave was colder tonight as it had rained the night before.

David glared at Paul and continued messing with his hands. Dwayne sat up in his chair and nudged Marko who was falling asleep beside him. Paul continued, “Are you okay, David? We are worried about you.”

“Have you ever thought that maybe being a vampire was a mistake?” David shot out. Paul’s cigarette fell from his fingertips.

“You are in love with a human.” Dwayne responded, erning a groan from Paul.

“Seriously? That’s the number one rule David-”

“I know Paul, I made half the rule’s including that one.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“It’s that girl from the boardwalk isn’t it?” Marko asked, causing David to freeze. “You’re too obvious, man.”

Before David could respond Dwayne continued, “Why don’t you turn her?”

“She said that our kind are nothing but monsters.” The room fell quiet and for a moment, everyone felt the pain. They were so young when they were turned, they would stay young forever now, never getting to grow old with the person you love; only being able to watch them waste away.

“Shit, David.” Paul sighed. They all felt it then, the sad reality of being immortal.

You bit your lip and waited. Your arms were crossed over your chest and you felt your knees shake nervously. You stood near the entrance to the boardwalk, hoping you’d see him. The man you’ve noticed everywhere within the past month.

The man that you somehow cared for.

Behind you, Paul had a shit-eating smirk on his face as he parted from the group who was already past the entrance. He briskly walked over to you and wrapped an arm around your shoulder.

His grin grew wider when he felt you flinch and heard your heartbeat quicken. “Hello, doll-face. I’ve noticed that you are looking for someone and I might be able to help you find them.”

You turned to face the young man in front of you. “I don’t know you.”

“That’s correct, but, I know that you know David, so to speak.” He shrugged, fixing his jacket cuff. “Paul. That’s my name.”

It took a moment for it to register but you took a step back when you realized who or what was in front of you right now. Paul Harris was a teenager when he went missing from the exact boardwalk you were standing at. He was one of the Santa Carla vampire stories that had freaked you out as a kid.

Paul noticed something in you change and he smirked, “Are you scared?” His eyes flashed a different color for a second and you almost stumbled back.

“Paul Harris.” Your scared voice only made him chuckle as he grabbed your wrist and pulled you towards his friend group.

“David really likes you. And whenever I mention his name your heart beats faster so I’m guessing you like him too.”

“I don’t even know him.” You argued, trying not to make a scene out of fear for your life.

“You will.” Paul turned his head and smiled at you, his canines longer and pointier than they were three seconds prior.

“Wait!” You snapped your wrist back, stopping in your place. You saw a tall brunette next to David turn towards the commotion caused by his friend. “Oh my god.”

Your heart beat faster than you could ever imagine and you felt like you were going to faint. Dwayne Stephens, Mark Thompson. David Williams. “You...all of you...” You looked to Paul who had a bored look on his face.

“I know what you’re thinking. That hurts. We are still people, plus we don’t want to eat you.” Paul motioned to the group and you made eye contact with David for the first time in a while. Paul smirked and whispered to you, “But if you run away from him, he’ll be upset. We all eat good when he’s upset.”

David had no words that could prepare him for what Paul did. Dwayne nearly ripped the boy’s head off his shoulders as he shoved him out of the way. “Not cool man.” He growled.

“What did I do? I figured that if any of us deserved to be happy it should be David.” Paul argued.

Marko replied, “Yeah but telling her what we are...”

“He didn’t.” You said softly, your eyes meeting their shocked ones. “I’m familiar with the stories. I know who you are.” You looked back to David, “What you are.”

“Trust us, (Y/N), if we wanted to hurt you we would’ve done it by now.” Paul said before Dwayne slapped a hand over his mouth.

Thoughts bubbled in your head and you made sense with what they were saying. “We only eat jerks.” Marko said, making you look at him. “I don’t think you’re a jerk.”

“I-”

“Don’t say anything.” Your heart raced as David spoke, your eyes met his once more and you felt like crying. This was a broken person. He had the face of a teenager but the age of an older man. He’d seen more than you had in your entire life and that was more than you needed to know how much he felt this. He needed you; you could feel it. “This never should’ve happened, I’m sorry.”

Paul stiffened against Dwayne’s grip and Marko stood a little straighter. Their leader was in pain and they felt it more than they could see it. They all looked so abandoned; they were the lost boys of Santa Carla.

[Part 2 if y’all want]

#the lost boys #vampire #lost boys 1987 #[✉️].request

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pikashadow · 3 years

Text

Approaching That Summer Sky a Diamond no Ace fanfiction

Rating: T

Pairing: Sawamura/Narumiya (Established Relationship)

Words: 9,032

Plot: Mei finds out from Itsuki that Eijun became the ace. And he isn't pleased. In other news, Eijun decides he's alright with letting the rest of his team (and the public) know about their relationship

Set after the summer tournament opening ceremony. To be more specific, this takes place sometime after Itsuki tells Mei about Eijun becoming the ace during Act II Chapter 143 of the manga and episode 46 of the anime.

A.N.: Recently, I’ve been getting back into Daiya no A. And after watching Eijun become the ace for the nth time, a plot bunny came to me. Which is great because we need more Eijun and Mei interactions.

This is set after the summer tournament opening ceremony. To be more specific, this takes place sometime after Itsuki tells Mei about Eijun becoming the ace during Act II Chapter 143 of the manga and episode 46 of the anime.

This is part two of my Summer Sky series, but you don’t need to read the first part to read this part.

I hope y’all enjoy it!

Mei couldn’t believe the nerve of his boyfriend.

He strode around the stadium, dark blue eyes on the lookout for Seidou colors.

And their idiot of an ace.

He couldn’t believe that idiot was forcing him to look for him. Knowing him as well as he did, though, he knew it was on purpose.

His boyfriend was extremely competitive and hated losing to him. He always found such joy whenever he did win against him. And while it annoyed him that he would lose, it didn’t bother him as much as it used to. At least in person or over video call. Because then he would at least get to see his boyfriend’s cute happy face. Over text was still annoying (especially when he would just spam emoticons and ignore any attempts to continue the conversation).

Thankfully, people could tell he was in a foul mood, steering clear of him and leaving enough room for him to walk without bumping into anyone or having to step around someone.

He ignored the whispers and the other teams’ gazes, focused on finding Seidou’s ace.

A couple of brave (or stupid) players spoke in a normal tone, his ears pricking up when they said his name.

“Oi, isn’t that Inashiro’s Narumiya Mei?”

“Yeah, it’s weird seeing him without his teammates. I wonder where they are.”

“More importantly, I feel sorry for the person who angered him. He looks ready to kill.”

He almost snorted.

What an exaggeration.

While he couldn’t harm Seidou’s ace (not that he planned on it in the first place), he still planned on giving him an earful.

Because what the hell?

Seidou’s ace, his boyfriend, didn’t even tell him he became the ace.

Didn’t he think even a little bit that he would like to know?

(Especially after what happened during the spring tournament. Did he forget about how he encouraged him?)

He had of course heard about the game with Hakuryuu, unable to stop the warmth and… pride when his boyfriend personally told him the news himself.

(… Not that he said anything to the person himself. Instead, after congratulating him, he warned him not to let it go to his head, mentioning how one great practice game didn’t mean he would become the ace. And either he took the warning to heart (he doubted it) or something else happened, but he kept his feet on the ground.)

And after hearing all about the practice games they won, he could safely assume he had been doing well.

But becoming the ace?

What had happened for him to suddenly become the ace?

And why didn’t he tell him anything?

With the summer tournament starting, they wouldn’t get to meet up as often. So unfortunately, that meant he had to track down his terrible boyfriend before they left.

The only good thing was that no one dared bother him as he continued to look. Which was good (and very wise). He refused to waste his time on people he didn’t even know. Or care about.

Fortunately, it didn’t take long to spot the unforgettable Seidou uniforms. And a very familiar back with the unmistakable number one on his jersey.

(At first, he almost missed him. Seidou’s ace was rarely quiet, and because of that, it was easy to find him wherever he was. If it wasn’t for that back, he would’ve almost walked past them.)

As he walked closer, he heard a familiar laugh.

… Great. Kazuya’s there.

He couldn’t hear whatever Kazuya was talking about, but it seemed he finished whatever he wanted to say to the team, already turning around to speak to someone else.

Not that he cared if he interrupted whatever Kazuya was talking about, but if he finished, it would make things easier.

A few Seidou players he didn’t recognize spotted him, their eyes widening. But before they could speak up and possibly warn their ace, he reached out, grabbing him by the scruff of his neck.

Eijun squawked, almost losing his balance as someone grabbed him and pulled him toward them. He started struggling, trying to get them to let go.

And while the rest of Seidou were no doubt used to him squawking, they all turned to look at him, various degrees of surprise and shock on their faces once they registered his presence.

“Narumiya Mei?”

Eijun froze at the mention of his name, his struggling starting anew as he tried to twist his head and look at him. “Mei? What are you doing here?”

Belatedly, he realized his mistake, freezing and watching as his teammates’ eyes widened even more (if possible).

And while Mei would normally take great pleasure in their reactions, they (unfortunately) didn’t have time for this. He couldn’t help but smirk in their direction, though, amused as most of them glared at him.

(He could’ve sworn he heard a few people growling, but it was probably just his imagination.)

He pulled Eijun closer, ignoring his noticeably weak protests before looking over at Kazuya. “I’m stealing him for a bit.”

Not bothering to wait for a response, he already turned away, pulling Eijun with him. Eijun was still protesting at the way he held him, but he followed obediently, shooting his teammates a half guilty and half embarrassed look.

“Don’t take too long. And make sure to give him back,” Kazuya said, smirking that all too familiar (and annoying) knowing smirk of his.

He waved flippantly with his free hand, not in the mood to deal with him.

Eijun, on the other hand, glared at him. “We know that, Cap! We’ll—” His eyes widened, belatedly realizing what he was saying and cut himself off. “I-I mean, I’ll be back soon.”

Much to his irritation, Miyuki looked way too amused at his slipup. “Didn’t know you two were that close, Sawamura.” He snickered, giving him another knowing smirk.

But before Eijun could respond, Mei tugged him sharply, causing him to let out a pained yelp. It was awkward with the way Mei held him, but he managed to turn his head enough so he could give him a glare.

“Come on, Eijun. We don’t have time for this.” Mei looked over his shoulder, finally allowing Eijun to see his face.

Eijun almost flinched at seeing his dark blue eyes and scowl. So it wasn’t his imagination that his boyfriend sounded angry? He quickly racked his brain, wondering what he did to anger him but drew a blank. Besides not texting him as much recently, he couldn’t think of anything.

And knowing Mei as well as he did, he knew Mei wasn’t angry about the texting.

But then why?

Why was he angry with him?

He would apologize, but he didn’t even know what he did.

But before he could even attempt at asking him, Mei pulled him along, already walking away and ignoring the sudden vocal protests from his teammates.

Contrary to what Cap thought, he wasn’t hiding his relationship with Mei from the rest of his teammates. He just… never found a good time to tell them. He liked to comfort himself with the thought that if his teammates asked, he would’ve told them the truth.

As he watched them react now, though, he found himself wishing he could’ve told them earlier.

Worse, his only ally in this situation was Miyuki freaking Kazuya.

That guy was definitely enjoying this. And he would no doubt tell the rest of the team about his relationship with Mei.

He groaned, hiding his face in his hands.

As Mei frequently reminded him, he wasn’t the best liar. And he was planning on telling them about it anyway. So really, it was no big deal.

But knowing who he had as an ally made him dread the upcoming conversation.

ZZZ

It didn’t take long for the rest of Seidou to turn to Kazuya, multiple people loudly protesting at what happened and demanding an explanation.

(Because Sawamura and Narumiya? What the hell? When did this happen? Would their ace be alright?)

Kazuya tried keeping a straight face as he raised a hand, asking them to quiet down.

But Kuramochi glaring at him made him realize he had failed.

“What the hell, Miyuki?! Why did you let Narumiya Mei kidnap Sawamura?”

He almost snickered, but miraculously, he stopped himself from doing so. He couldn’t stop the amused smirk from appearing, though. “Calm down. Sawamura will be alright.”

But that only infuriated Kuramochi more (if possible). “Stop enjoying this! This is serious! Shouldn’t we do something?”

This time, he snorted, unable to help it at the ridiculousness of the situation. “He’ll be fine.” He clicked his tongue as he noticed Kuramochi and a few others looking in the direction they left, as though about to chase after them. “Don’t go after them.”

Some of his teammates froze, not wanting to annoy him further.

Kuramochi turned his head to look at him, still glaring. “How do you know he’ll be alright?”

Kazuya resisted the urge to sigh. So much for enjoying the situation.

But before he answered, an idea came to him, causing him to almost smirk.

If he played his cards right, he would enjoy a much different (but still very entertaining) show.

“Those two are close friends,” he said, barely stopping himself from smirking at how everyone’s eyes widened in unison.

“Those two? Close friends? Sure didn’t seem like it,” Kuramochi grumbled. He couldn’t say he was too surprised (because of course Sawamura managed to somehow befriend Narumiya Mei of all people). He just wished his roommate had told him about it himself, feeling annoyed Miyuki knew about it before him.

Haruichi hummed thoughtfully, causing everyone to look at him. “It makes sense, though.”

“What does?”

Haruichi frowned, remembering what happened during the spring tournament. “During the Inashiro and Teitou game, he kept looking up at us. I thought I was imagining things at the time, so I didn’t think too much about it. But now I understand. He was looking for Eijun-kun.”

What he didn’t tell them was how Eijun had looked after the game as he talked about an ace being cool.

Was Eijun-kun talking about Narumiya-san?

Kazuya almost snickered as everyone else let out understanding noises. He remembered thinking Mei was being a little too obvious (even for someone like him), causing him to shake his head in amusement.

But before he could relax, Kuramochi frowned, shooting him a suspicious look. “Why do you know about this and we don’t?”

Thankfully, he had an explanation ready. “He accidentally told me one day. You know him. He’s bad at keeping secrets. If you had asked him about it, he would’ve told you the truth.”

(He wasn’t lying, but he wasn’t telling the whole truth either.)

Kuramochi pursed his lips, not mentioning how they hadn’t even heard about this until now. “So?”

Being the guy that Kazuya was, he only raised his eyebrows. “So what?”

Kuramochi felt his eye twitch, resisting the urge to grab their sorry excuse for a captain and shake him like Sawamura used to. “How did they become so close? They’re enemies!”

Everyone else nodded, still a little surprised to hear about Sawamura’s relationship with Narumiya Mei but also eager to hear more about it.

But Kazuya only shook his head, looking amused as most of them glared at him. “That’s his business. I’ll let him tell you the details.”

“You don’t normally care about that sort of thing,” Kuramochi pointed out, looking suspicious.

Kazuya shrugged, unbothered by his suspicion. “What can I say? I turned over a new leaf.”

“Liar!”

He almost snickered at the immediate response, knowing no one would believe that. “I’m serious. If you want to know, you have to ask him yourself.” He smirked, amused. “And this way, we’ll all get to watch him squirm together.”

“… You really are the worst.”

He laughed, grinning. “Thank you!”

“It wasn’t a compliment!”

ZZZ

Eijun knew he could be oblivious and very dense at times.

But he would need to be blind to miss the way everyone stared at them.

They must be quite the sight.

Mei had gotten tired of holding him by the scruff of his neck, now holding the back of his jersey. He ended up half pulling and half dragging him (which surprised him because he didn’t know he was this strong. He wasn’t this strong the last time they met. He was both excited and nervous to see how it affected his pitching. … Come to think of it, Cap did say he didn’t have any weaknesses).

By this point, he had stopped struggling, allowing Mei to do what he wanted. He hadn’t said anything since they walked away from his teammates, so he could safely assume Mei was waiting until they were alone to start talking.

Which suited him just fine.

Their relationship was their business. No one else needed to know about it.

He suddenly felt grateful for his understanding boyfriend.

… Well, it wasn’t understanding so much as not caring what people thought. Mei had already told his teammates about their relationship and would’ve told everyone here if given the choice. The only reason Mei hadn’t done anything to out their relationship a while ago was because of him.

He felt bad for making him wait, but he had wanted to wait until he at least became the ace. Mei wouldn’t care what people thought about their relationship, but he knew it would’ve been much worse if they had outed their relationship last year. At least now, they were somewhat equal. Some people would disagree, of course, but he found he didn’t care. As long as they didn’t interfere with their relationship, he could care less what people thought.

“Oi, isn’t that Narumiya Mei?”

“Yeah, and he’s with Seidou’s ace!”

“Oh, that loud guy, right? They must have a cozy relationship.”

Eijun let out a surprised noise as Mei stopped walking, unable to stop himself from gaping as he promptly let go of him. He stumbled, briefly losing his balance without his support.

But Mei was there in a flash (was he always that fast?), easily stepping into his personal space to hold him up and provide support until he could stand up straight without it.

He opened his mouth to thank him, but Mei quickly turned around, only pausing to grab his wrist and continue walking as if nothing happened.

He blinked a few times, looking behind him at where they were a moment ago, confused.

… What just happened?

While he certainly felt grateful (and happy) to follow Mei on his own feet rather than being dragged along, he couldn’t help but feel baffled as to why it happened.

Wasn’t Mei still angry with him?

Maybe it was because those players were talking about them?

… No.

That was impossible.

Mei didn’t care what people thought. And this time was probably no different.

Maybe he got tired of dragging him and thought it was faster if he let him walk?

He looked back at Mei, nodding to himself.

Now that sounded more like him.

A few minutes later, they finally found a spot unoccupied near the northern exit of the stadium. Mei led them over to a pillar almost covered in shadows, only letting go when he felt satisfied no one would give them a second glance.

Eijun thought Mei would want to greet him (especially since they couldn’t do it in front of his teammates), but to his surprise, Mei created some distance between them, crossing his arms in front of his chest. He stayed close enough that he could reach out and touch him if he wanted, but when he tried reaching out, his boyfriend gave him a warning look, causing him to hastily drop his hand.

All they could hear was the buzzing of the cicadas in the trees around them.

… He couldn’t wait anymore.

“Why are you angry?” he blurted. And not happy.

Normally, Mei would be almost annoyingly happy to see him. His whole face would light up, that cheeky grin Eijun both liked and disliked appearing on his face as he teased him about being happy to see him. His bright blue eyes would sparkle with happiness and a bit of mischief.

He loved seeing Mei look happy. Especially when he was the cause of it.

It had been a while since he last saw it in person and not over a video call. If he were honest, he didn’t even think he would get to meet Mei today. So he was already happy Mei came looking for him.

He didn’t know what he did to anger him. He wanted to apologize for whatever he did so he could see his happy face.

Mei raised his eyebrows, as if surprised he even asked. “Why?” he echoed mockingly, finally uncrossing his arms. But his hands quickly formed fists at his sides, Eijun wishing he could reach out and hold them so he didn’t hurt himself. “You don’t know?”

When Eijun only gave him a blank look, he scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Of course you don’t.” Eijun frowned, wondering if that was an insult. But before he could ask, Mei jabbed his chest with a finger. “Don’t you have something to tell me? Something important?”

If it were any other occasion, Mei would’ve laughed at his baffled look.

He shook his head, almost snorting. “You’re unbelievable.”

… Now that sounded like an insult.

“Look, I don’t understand what you’re trying to say. Stop beating around the bush, and just tell me!” Eijun huffed, frustrated.

All he wanted was to apologize so they could enjoy the rest of their time together. Mei had to know they didn’t have a lot of time left.

Why couldn’t he just tell him? Was that so hard?

Looking unfazed by his visible frustration, Mei reached out, pulling on the back of his jersey.

… Huh?

Why was he pulling on his jersey?

Just as he was about to ask, Mei huffed, pointing to his back. He frowned, not understanding why he pointed at his back. The back of his jersey only had his number…

His eyes widened, his mouth forming an O as realization dawned on him.

Mei gave him a scornful look, no doubt recognizing the reaction. “Is there something you want to tell me, Seidou’s ace?”

Eijun smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “So that’s what this is about.”

“You didn’t think I would like to know that information?”

Eijun winced at his cold tone and icy glare. It wasn’t his first time on the receiving end of Mei’s icy glare, but he couldn’t help but feel nervous. “This is all a huge misunderstanding—”

“Don’t give me that!”

Eijun shrank back, startled by his raised voice.

“I had to hear the news from Itsuki. You were supposed to be the one who told me that news. Not him!” Mei’s fists trembled by his sides, his normally bright blue eyes a dark blue. Eijun felt his heart clench at the noticeable hurt in his boyfriend’s voice, watching as his shoulders shook. He felt awful. “You’re lucky I heard it from him and not from the gossip going around or I’d—”

Eijun couldn’t hold himself back anymore.

He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around his back. “I’m sorry!”

Mei froze at the contact, blinking as he belatedly registered the apology. “Eh?”

If it were any other occasion, Eijun would tease him for his less than eloquent response.

“I said I’m sorry,” he murmured, pulling back. But before he could completely let go, his boyfriend’s arms wrapped around his back, keeping him close and almost causing a smile to form on his face. “I wanted to surprise you,” he admitted. “I knew there was a chance of us meeting today, and I thought it would be great to surprise you with the news.”

He laughed humorlessly. “I forgot that I’m not in Nagano. And that people talk.” He pulled back enough so Mei could see the sincerity in his eyes. “I… wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you right away. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

Mei wanted to sigh. Because that was so Eijun.

He even wanted to protest that Eijun didn’t hurt him and that he only angered him.

But instead he shook his head, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. “Idiot,” he scolded. There was no heat in his words, though. Eijun gave him another sheepish smile, his smile turning into his normal one at the sight of fond bright blue eyes.

“You didn’t need to do that. I would’ve been happy if you had just texted me the news,” Mei said, giving him an amused look.

To his amusement, Eijun only nodded his head enthusiastically. “This Sawamura Eijun shall endeavor to remember that.”

Mei laughed. It was a bright and happy laugh (his real laugh), causing warmth to grow inside his chest and a goofy smile to appear on his face.

He felt happy (and smug) that only he could make him laugh like that.

Mei let go with one arm to poke him in the nose, smiling as Eijun only blinked. “You silly boy. I keep telling you that you don’t need to be so formal with me.”

“But you’re the one who keeps reminding me that I need to speak to you with more respect,” Eijun pointed out, grinning devilishly.

“And yet you never do it,” Mei said, raising his eyebrows.

Eijun shrugged. “Oops.” He laughed at Mei’s mock insulted look.

A thought came to him, causing his mouth to open.

Only to yelp as Mei jabbed him in his ribs with his index fingers.

“Ow! What did you do that for?”

Mei huffed. His boyfriend was definitely spending too much time with Kazuya.

… And he would spend even more time with him now that he became the ace.

Damn it.

“Stop being cheeky. It doesn’t suit you.”

But instead of looking insulted, Eijun only smiled, amused. “How could I forget? Being cheeky is your thing.”

Mei smirked, looking proud. “Exactly!”

“So wouldn’t you say that I learned from the best?”

Mei laughed, eyes happy and soft. He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but Eijun caught him off guard. He wasn’t normally this playful. Or willing to feed his ego. “What’s with you? You’re not normally like this.”

Eijun gasped, eyes gleaming mischievously. “What, you don’t want me to act like you? I’m shocked!”

“Shut it, you. You know what I mean.”

Eijun laughed. And it wasn’t his signature, loud laugh either. It was a much softer and happy laugh. “Does this mean you forgive me?”

Despite having seen it countless times before, Mei almost had to look away at his hopeful look. He was too cute.

… And it almost made him forget he was angry in the first place.

He frowned, lips twitching and threatening to burst into a smile. “… I suppose.”

Eijun accidentally let out a loud cheer, hugging him once more. “Thank you! I really am sorry. I’ll try not to do it again.”

“Idiot. Your voice is too loud. Someone will hear you,” Mei scolded. But just like earlier, there was no heat in it.

“… Bet you would like that,” Eijun murmured into his uniform.

“What was that?”

Eijun pulled away, shaking his head and giving him an innocent smile. “It’s nothing.”

Mei almost snorted at the obvious lie, giving him an unconvinced look. “Like I believe that.” He was about to press for more details, but his boyfriend reached out with one hand, touching his shoulder.

His lips twitched once more as Eijun gave him an expectant look. Knowing him as well as he did, he was familiar with that look.

An idea came to him, causing him to almost smirk.

He leaned in, kissing him.

But he couldn’t help but tease him, purposely avoiding his lips and kissing his cheek instead.

Pulling back, he snickered as Eijun glared at him. “So impatient,” he murmured, an impish gleam in his eyes. “I thought you liked all my kisses. No matter where they end up.”

And before a red faced Eijun could yell at him, he leaned in once more and finally gave him what he wanted by kissing his lips.

Eijun froze briefly at the contact before quickly relaxing, pressing himself further into his embrace.

The kiss was gentle and innocent.

Much to his disappointment, the kiss didn’t last long, his boyfriend already pulling away from him.

Mei gave him an amused look at the pout on his face. He waited purposely for a few moments before deciding one kiss wasn’t enough and leaned back in.

Eijun closed his eyes, tightening his grip on his uniform as he responded.

Mei’s lips tasted sweet, causing him to wonder if he had chewed some gum earlier.

It was a long moment before Mei pulled away, an amused smirk on his face as Eijun chased after his lips.

He gave in, allowing him to kiss him.

Eijun briefly remembered where they were, but it quickly disappeared as the kiss turned more passionate. He responded eagerly, trying to match the pace and not wanting to lose.

He shivered as he felt fingers brushing his sensitive sides, somehow feeling the touch through his uniform. Even with his eyes closed, he could feel that irritatingly familiar smirk on his face, causing him to huff into the kiss.

It was unfair how much Mei’s touches affected him. They’ve been dating for a while now, and for some reason, he thought his body would be accustomed to his touches by now.

The only good thing was that Mei was affected by his touches as much as he was by his.

As they pulled away to take a breather, Eijun couldn’t stop himself from leaning in and kissing every inch of his face that he could reach.

… Which was easy since he was taller than his boyfriend (by a centimeter and only a centimeter he liked to remind him, only amusing him further).

Mei stood still as he showed his love, unable to stop himself from laughing as he kissed both his cheeks, nose, and forehead in quick succession.

When it didn’t look like he was going to stop anytime soon, he reached up to his hair and pulled a little, causing him to pause and look at him.

“While I enjoy your attention,” Mei said, smirking as Eijun pouted. “Have you forgotten where we are?”

They were hidden by the pillar, and as long as someone didn’t look too closely, they wouldn’t spot them. But there was always a chance someone could see them.

Eijun pulled away, frowning at the reminder and Mei stopping him. “I thought that’s why you dragged me over here in the first place!” he whined.

Mei grinned, combing his hands through his hair fondly. “I’m just reminding you not to get carried away.” He snickered as Eijun grumbled about not getting carried away, watching as the other pitcher closed his eyes at the gentle touch.

“I thought you didn’t want to tell people about us.”

Eijun reluctantly opened his eyes, remembering what happened earlier. And before he could think too much about it, his mouth opened impulsively. “Is that what happened earlier?” he blurted.

Mei’s eyes widened before looking away from him with a huff. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Eijun couldn’t stop the disappointed whine from escaping as he stopped combing his hair and let go. “Don’t give me that. You were content dragging me until those guys spoke up.” He watched him for a reaction, but the only thing Mei did was shrug. “I thought you didn’t care what people thought.” His voice was soft and confused, almost sounding concerned.

Mei looked back at him, chin tilted condescendingly. “I don’t.”

“Then why?”

But to his confusion, Mei only gave him an unreadable look.

He let out a huff of his own, frustrated he wouldn’t talk to him. “I… You’re so… Why can’t you just—”

“You do, though.”

Eijun blinked a few times, confused. “Eh?”

Mei glared mutinously, reluctantly allowing him to hold his hands. “I don’t care. But you do, though.”

Eijun’s eyes widened, his mouth opening. “You… You did it for me?” His voice was impossibly soft. He wouldn’t be surprised if Mei didn’t hear him.

“… You heard what they said,” Mei grumbled, somehow hearing him. His ears reddened as Eijun continued staring at him. “I don’t want to taint your reputation. Especially now that you’re the ace.”

To his irritation, Eijun only snorted, giving him an incredulous look. “As if you’ve done anything that bad.” He furrowed his eyebrows. “Unless it’s something I haven’t heard about.”

Mei scowled at his expectant look, tempted to jab him in the ribs again. “I don’t have anything to tell you.”

Eijun nodded, as if that made sense. “There you go. See? That wasn’t too hard, was it?”

Mei was about to scold him for patronizing him. But then he belatedly registered what he wasn’t saying. “You mean… you’re alright with letting people know?” he asked slowly.

Eijun shrugged. “As long as they don’t interfere with our relationship, I don’t care what they think.”

Mei couldn’t help but gape at him for a couple of moments. When did he start thinking that? He didn’t tell him anything. “What changed?” he asked, curious.

“… I wanted to wait until I became the ace. People will still talk regardless, but I thought it might make things easier.” Eijun smiled sheepishly.

Now Mei was the one confused. “Easier?”

Eijun let go of his hands to hold up his index fingers. “Before, you were the ace.” He indicated one of his fingers by wiggling it slightly. “While I was just a reserve pitcher. Not to mention a first year.” He wiggled his other finger. “But now, I’m the ace and a second year” -he wiggled one finger- “and you’re the ace.” He wiggled his other finger one last time before smiling proudly.

Mei blinked a few times, trying to decide whether what just happened was adorable or confusing. Or both. Only Eijun could do this to him. “… So what you’re saying is that the attention won’t be as bad since we’re equal in standing?”

Eijun beamed, pointing at him with one finger. “Exactly!”

“… You do realize that I’m still a year older than you, right?”

Eijun frowned at him, placing his hands on his hips. “I wasn’t talking about age. I was talking about experience.” When Mei only gave him a blank look, he hummed, wondering how to explain it. “As a first year, no one knows you that well. It probably would’ve been weird if people found out I was dating you last year. But now, people have heard of me. And they’re starting to hear more about me now that I became the ace.”

He paused, laughing his signature (and obnoxious) laughs. “And they’ll continue to talk about me when I pitch well during the tournament.”

Mei shook his head, rolling his eyes. “But I still outrank you when it comes to experience.” And I’m still the king.

Eijun huffed, pointing at him again, as if he somehow read his mind. “That isn’t important right now.”

Mei felt his lips twitch as he glared at him. “I thought we were talking about experience.”

“Ah! Exposure! That’s the word I was looking for,” Eijun said, looking at him triumphantly.

Mei laughed hard, giving him an amused look. “How did you mess that up?” Chuckles escaped his mouth as Eijun glared at him.

“S-Shut up! I didn’t mean to!”

“Let’s go back to what we were talking about,” Mei suggested, but his voice still sounded amused, causing him to feel irritated.

“Fine! But stop sounding so amused, jerk!”

“… Impossible.” Mei snickered as he gave him another dirty look. “I’ve still had more exposure than you.”

Eijun growled, tempted to hit him. “But every little bit helps! Besides, I’m not saying that we have to go out there right now and declare our relationship to everyone.”

“Oh? And here I thought you don’t care what they think.”

Eijun stomped his foot, agitated. “I don’t!” He paused before avoiding eye contact. “I don’t care. But I care what they think of you. What if they badmouth you?”

Mei scoffed. “I don’t care. And why exactly would they badmouth me?”

Eijun looked strangely hesitant, which was a rare occurrence with him.

“You could have anyone you wanted. And yet you chose me.”

He couldn’t stop himself from snorting, feeling relieved as Eijun met his eyes once more. “I don’t care what anyone thinks,” he repeated, placing his hands on his hips. “It’s not their decision who I end up with. I chose you because I like you. And I don’t plan on leaving you anytime soon.” Eijun beamed at him, no longer looking worried. “Even if you’re a bit of an idiot at times and drive me crazy.”

Eijun squawked, pointing at him. “You didn’t need to add that last part!”

Mei snickered, reaching out and grabbing his hands. “It’s true, though,” he said cheekily. When Eijun only huffed, he rubbed his thumbs on his knuckles tenderly. “Speaking of letting people know… Do your teammates even know about us?”

Eijun reddened, giving him a sheepish smile. “Not yet. I meant to tell them before now, but I could never find the right timing.”

Mei almost laughed, shaking his head fondly. “You and your timing.” He had shouted about how the timing had to be right when he confessed, too.

(… And yet, he still chose the worst possible timing to confess, a fact he still liked teasing him over.)

“I think they know now, though.”

Mei furrowed his eyebrows. “Because of me?”

“No!” Eijun shouted impulsively, causing him to wince at the volume. “… Sorry. I didn’t mean to shout. I think Cap told them after we left,” he continued in a softer voice.

Mei pursed his lips at the mention of Kazuya. “Oh, that’s right. He’s the only one who knows on your team.” While it was helpful to have Kazuya looking out for his boyfriend (especially when he couldn’t always be there for him), he still found himself wishing someone else knew about their relationship.

Of all people on his boyfriend’s team, why did he have to find out?

Eijun nodded, looking determined. “Since they probably know now, I’ll admit to it and tell them the truth.”

Mei raised his eyebrows, surprised. But after a few moments, he nodded, looking thoughtful. “Yeah, that makes sense.” While it would’ve been fun to see his teammates’ reactions in person, he understood this was something Eijun had to do by himself. “What exactly do you plan on telling them?” he asked, curious.

Eijun beamed at him, tightening his grip on his hands. “That I like you and that we’re dating.”

Mei waited for him to continue, but when Eijun only continued beaming, he couldn’t help but laugh, caught off guard. “Wait… That’s it?”

Eijun blinked a few times, confused. “There’s nothing else to tell.” He grinned, eyes gleaming mischievously. “I’m not the type to kiss and tell. Unless you would prefer if I regale them with the whole story?”

Mei snorted, shaking his head. That was so simple and so Eijun. “Do whatever you want. You know that I already told my teammates all about us.” He almost snickered at his wide-eyed look. “Relax. I didn’t tell them everything.” He gave him a suggestive look, snickering as he turned red.

“Well, that’s… That’s good. Not that I would care if you did tell them everything.”

Mei gave him an unconvinced look. “Uh huh. Like I believe that.” He beamed, remembering something. “I tell them all about how nice you are to me. And about all our dates.”

Eijun’s lips twitched. “You mean you brag about it to everyone who’ll listen.”

“It’s to be expected. Everyone wants to listen to information about their ace,” Mei said, puffing his chest out and making Eijun roll his eyes.

“… It’s not like they have a choice,” Eijun muttered.

“What was that?”

Eijun smiled innocently. “Nothing.” He snickered at his insulted look.

Only to shriek as he jabbed him in the ribs.

“Ow! Quit doing that, you jerk!”

Mei huffed, tempted to do it again. “Then quit being so cheeky.” He let out a shriek of his own as Eijun reciprocated, causing him to smirk.

“Now who’s the cheeky one?”

He glared at him, tousling his hair roughly. “Still you, brat!”

Not one to back down, Eijun reciprocated, causing him to squawk.

Their hands turned into a blur of jabs, the two basically wrestling at this point.

Several moments later, both silently agreed to call a truce, letting go to smooth down their hair. Eijun watched, amused as Mei huffed while trying to smooth down his hair.

“You know you could just wear your hat,” he couldn’t help but point out, grinning as Mei gave him another glare.

“Shut it, you. It’s not the same.”

Eijun tilted his head, confused. “What do you mean?”

“… I can hide it under a hat to prevent other people from seeing it. But I would still know it’s messed up.”

Eijun hid his laugh behind a fist. What a drama queen.

Mei finally gave up a few moments later, glaring up at his hair mutinously. His eyes widened, belatedly remembering something. He reached out, touching Eijun’s shoulders. “Turn around.”

When Eijun only let out a confused noise, he rolled his eyes. “I said turn around. Let me see the ace number on your back.”

Eijun furrowed his eyebrows. “But didn’t you see it earlier?”

“I wasn’t in the mood to appreciate it fully. Just… do as I say.”

To his amusement, Eijun turned around with a huff, dislodging his hands. But in the next moment, he stood up straight, proudly displaying his number.

The ace number looked good on his back. As if it belonged there. And while Mei knew this was just the beginning, he couldn’t help but feel… proud.

Eijun had always talked about becoming the ace, and while he hardly voiced it, he had always known he would one day become the ace.

His boyfriend was the ace.

(He wanted to brag about his boyfriend to anyone who would listen. And then watch smugly as everyone finally paid him the attention he deserved. Because frankly, it was about damn time.)

And although they still had multiple games to play first, he found himself already looking forward to the finals.

Where they’ll face Seidou.

Eijun had to have grown a lot as a pitcher since the last time he saw him pitch. He probably had some new pitches, too.

He had to watch him pitch sometime. Not just as his boyfriend, but as his future opponent and rival.

Eijun started to fidget, looking over his shoulder at him. It was only then Mei realized he hadn’t said anything yet.

He couldn’t help but snort as he reached out, amused by his inability to remain still for long. At first, he reached out with his right hand. But he paused before it could make contact, staring at it for a few moments before promptly switching hands.

It only seemed right to touch him with his pitching hand. Especially as a fellow southpaw pitcher.

Eijun froze at his touch, golden eyes wide. He almost stopped breathing as he noticed which hand touched him.

Mei gently touched the ace number, tracing it with his fingers and his eyes. His lips twitched as Eijun shivered slightly at his light touches, his body twitching to indicate that if he could lean back into the touch, he would. Once he finished tracing it, he moved his hand slightly to the left, his hand no longer touching the number one but still in contact with the ace number.

Mei looked up into golden eyes, Eijun’s breath taken away at the genuine smile on his face. That genuine smile made him feel on top of the world. Like he could take on any number of strong batters and not give up any hits. Or punch the stadium walls down.

(He tried it once. Would not recommend it.)

If Mei demanded him to pitch a no-hitter, he would do it if it meant seeing that smile.

“Congrats, Eijun,” Mei said softly. “I knew you could do it.”

Eijun flushed, pleased with his reaction. He flushed pinker as he noticed the pride in those blue eyes he liked so much. The best part was that Mei wasn’t even trying to hide it from him.

When Mei finally stopped touching him (his heart clenching at how reluctant he looked), Eijun immediately turned around, hugging him.

He let out a happy sound as Mei wrapped his arms around him, keeping him close.

“Thank you, Mei,” he said in a low voice. He pulled back enough so he could look him in the eyes. “That means a lot, coming from you.”

“… Because I’m the king?” Mei joked, one hand reaching up to touch his cheek.

Eijun rolled his eyes good-naturedly as he leaned into the touch, watching as Mei’s eyes softened at his reaction. “Because you’re the pitcher and ace I respect most.”

When he confessed, Eijun had said something about wanting to become an ace like him. So he knew Eijun somewhat looked up to him and respected him.

But it still felt immensely satisfying to know Eijun recognized his hard work and respected him for it.

(If he didn’t know Eijun as well as he did, he would’ve accused him of just saying that to please him. But Eijun couldn’t lie to save his life. And he was always so straightforward and honest that he knew he was telling the truth.)

For reasons unknown to him, he felt drawn to the boy in front of him. He didn’t care what people thought of him, but he found himself wanting to make Eijun proud of him. He wanted Eijun to be proud he was dating him.

(… Not that he didn’t feel that way already. He had to be, considering he was dating the king. But it still felt nice to hear him say it out loud and know he was… enough for him.)

It flattered him and made him happy to know that Eijun always saw him as an inspiration and a goal.

(Of course, Eijun hadn’t reached his goal yet. He refused to let him catch up that easily.)

“… I’m flattered you think of me that way,” Mei said, flushing. Eijun rolled his eyes again, probably thinking he was being sarcastic or smug. He shook his head and gave him a serious look, making Eijun catch his breath “Out of all the pitchers I’ve watched or played against, you’re the only one I’m interested in. Even though it irritates me at times, you command my attention.”

He couldn’t help but give him a teasing grin. “And maybe someday you’ll catch up to me. But not anytime soon.”

Eijun frowned, almost pouting. “Quit being an ass. You’re ruining the moment.”

Mei snickered, noticing his red cheeks. It felt good knowing he could still make him go red after all this time. Although, he supposed, it was probably more so because of the praise than anything he did.

Still cute, though.

“How’s this for a moment?” He tugged him closer, letting his hand fall from his cheek as he kissed him.

Eijun gasped into the kiss, kissing back enthusiastically after a moment. He didn’t think he would ever get tired of kissing him. He grumbled a protest as Mei pulled away with a breathless, barely audible laugh several moments later.

“Too short,” he muttered, holding onto his uniform and trying to tug him back in. “Again,” he demanded.

To his disappointment, Mei didn’t move an inch. His boyfriend let out another laugh, giving him a teasing smirk. “You must really like kissing me.” When Eijun only gave him a dirty look, his eyes softened. “… Okay,” he agreed. “Again.” He watched as his eyes lit up, feeling happy (but also smug) that only he could see him like that.

Eijun eagerly leaned back in, intent on kissing him longer than Mei kissed him (and maybe make him weak in the knees for once). Mei almost snickered at his eagerness, but he managed to stop himself at the last moment, knowing it would be hypocritical of him (considering he was just as eager to kiss him again).

… But just as their lips were about to touch, someone cleared their throat loudly, causing them to freeze.

They quickly pulled away, looking in the direction the noise came from.

To their relief, the culprit was only Itsuki. And while Eijun still felt a little embarrassed at getting caught like that, it was lessened since he knew Itsuki.

It also helped that Itsuki had his eyes averted politely.

Mei had no qualms about giving him a dirty look (not that he could see it) for interrupting them. “Itsuki~ I trust you have a good reason for interrupting us,” he drawled, causing Eijun and Itsuki to wince at the undertone of anger in his words.

When Itsuki hesitantly looked up, Eijun gave him a cheerful smile. “It’s good to see you, Itsuki! I haven’t seen you in a while.”

Itsuki, who had been looking nervous, immediately smiled at him. “It’s good to see you, too, Eijun. I meant to message you about the new series you got me into, but I keep forgetting.”

Eijun’s eyes lit up even more (if possible). “You’re enjoying it? Isn’t the main character adorable? How far have you gotten?”

Mei’s eye twitched as they started talking about whatever series Eijun had gotten into recently, completely ignoring him. Eijun had completely forgotten he was still holding onto him, waving his hands around as he described events or what a certain character did.

“Oi!” Both jumped at the interruption, finally looking at him sheepishly.

(He liked that his boyfriend and Itsuki, his battery partner, got along well. He really did. But not when they proceeded to ignore him. As if he wasn’t even there. Or important.)

“Was there a reason you interrupted us, or did you just come over to waste our time?” he said mockingly, causing both to wince (this time at the noticeable anger in his words).

“I’m sorry, Mei-san. I didn’t want to interrupt you two. I promise I have a good reason.” When Mei only raised his eyebrows, he gave them an apologetic look. “Coach sent me to tell you that we’re leaving.”

Eijun almost groaned at that. There went his alone time with Mei. Why did their time together always seem so short?

Mei blinked, confused. “He sent you? Why couldn’t someone just message me?” Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Eijun pouting, causing him to tighten his grip. Not enough to hurt (no, never hurt) but enough that Eijun could tell he didn’t want to leave him either.

That caused a small smile to form on his face, making him inwardly celebrate that he made him smile.

“We did message you, Mei-san. No one could find you either,” Itsuki said. He felt sympathetic, knowing the two pitchers couldn’t meet up as often as they would want to, which lessened any feelings of irritation or frustration. “By the way, I’m glad you’re not angry anymore,” he said, before looking at Eijun again. “I’m also glad you’re still alive, Eijun.”

Eijun looked over at him, bewildered. “Uh… thank you?”

“Also, while I don’t know Seidou’s schedule, I heard some people looking for you.”

Eijun paled, immediately letting go of him to take out his phone. Mei frowned at the loss of contact, reluctantly letting go of him. He watched as Eijun looked at the time, horrified. “Damn it! Boss is going to kill me!”

Eijun quickly scurried off, but he didn’t even make it a few feet away before stopping in his tracks.

Mei, who reluctantly understood he had to go, was about to complain he didn’t receive a kiss goodbye.

Only to feel surprised as Eijun turned around, running back toward him. Once he was close enough, Eijun threw his arms around him, pulling him into a kiss.

Mei quickly wrapped his arms around him, pulling him closer. And while the kiss was shorter due to the time constraint, they still managed to make it somewhat passionate.

They pulled away several moments later, Eijun beaming at him even as he breathed heavily. “I guess next time I see you, it’ll be time for the finals.”

Mei almost had to look away, his breath catching in his throat at Eijun’s smile. “You had better not trip before you face us,” he said, giving him a condescending smirk.

Eijun’s answering smile was feral, almost predatory. His golden eyes almost made Mei’s mouth dry up, the intense gaze reminding him of whenever his boyfriend pitched. “Right back at ya.”

Mei scoffed. “Who do you think you’re talking to? We won’t lose.”

(Some part of him felt insulted his boyfriend thought (even for a second) that they would lose. He would need to remind him that the loss during the fall tournament was just a one-time thing.)

He couldn’t help but point at him. “You’re not allowed to lose before you face us! Got that? Don’t disappoint me.”

To his surprise, Eijun smirked, eyes gleaming mischievously. “I would never think of disappointing the king.” He proceeded to bow mockingly.

Before he could reach out and swat him, Eijun scurried off, laughing at his disgruntled expression. “Get back here, you rude brat!”

Eijun only laughed, but before he left his sight, he raised his cell phone, silently telling him he would text him.

Mei grumbled to himself as he walked over to Itsuki, somewhat appeased by Eijun’s promise to text him.

He would have to show him exactly why he’s the king next time they meet.

But first, both needed to concentrate on their first game.

Or they might trip before even making it to the finals.

… Not that Mei was worried. He had complete faith both of their teams would keep winning and make the finals.

Where they’ll finally have a pitching duel as ace of their respective schools.

ZZZ

Kazuya watched, amused as the rest of the first string kept glancing at Sawamura out of the corner of their eyes.

They were all hanging out in his room, playing video games after dinner (during which he swore someone would cave and question Sawamura, but besides glancing at him multiple times, no one did anything). A few of their teammates looked tense, as if ready to chase if Sawamura tried to escape.

But just as he was starting to think Kuramochi would pounce on their ace, Sawamura cleared his throat loudly, attracting everyone’s attention.

He managed to keep a straight face as everyone immediately looked at their ace.

Time for the show to begin.

Sawamura looked sheepish, rubbing the back of his head. “I wanted to talk to you guys about my relationship with Mei.” If he didn’t already have everyone’s attention, they definitely would’ve started paying attention now. “I admit, I should’ve told you guys earlier. So I’m sorry.” A determined glint went into his eyes. “But I’m not apologizing about our relationship. I like him, and I’m going to continue to date him whether you guys like it or not.”

A shocked silence greeted his words, with multiple people gaping at their ace (much to Kazuya’s amusement).

“DATING?!” The team yelled, causing Sawamura to wince. Kazuya couldn’t help himself. He started laughing quietly. A few people sounded like they were choking, causing Sawamura to look alarmed (but also vaguely offended. He would probably never admit it out loud, though.)

Sawamura opened and closed his mouth a few times, resembling a goldfish. He looked around him multiple times, as if not understanding the reaction. In the next moment, though, he turned to look at him with his cat eyes, causing him to chuckle. “I thought you would tell them! What’s wrong with you?”

“You actually wanted me to tell them the truth? Isn’t that ironic?” Kazuya teased, smirking.

“Shut up! I just… What did you tell them?”

Kazuya debated not answering for a few moments, but he finally decided to give in, thinking it might be more amusing that way. He shrugged, trying to look innocent. “As close to the truth as possible. That you two are close friends.”

“Liar!”

Kazuya raised his eyebrows, feigning a hurt expression. “I’m telling the truth this time.” When Sawamura still looked suspicious, he gestured to the rest of the team. “Go ahead. Ask them. They’ll tell you what I said.”

Sawamura turned back to look at the rest of the team, biting his lower lip, as if trying to decide what or who to ask.

But then, as if the team were waiting for Sawamura to finish talking to him, they all exploded into action, many of them talking over each other.

Kazuya started laughing quietly at their ace’s bewildered expression. Sawamura tried to ask them to calm down (most likely so he could understand what people were saying), but no one wanted to listen to him.

“What the fuck? How did this even—”

“Why Narumiya of all people? Huh?!”

“Aniki is going to kill us…”

“Is he treating you right? We saw how he grabbed you earlier.”

Kazuya cackled hysterically as everyone shouted, trying to force Sawamura to answer them. Not that their ace could hear anything besides little snippets here and there.

… He was right.

This was much more entertaining than the situation he found himself in earlier.

He leaned back against the side of his bed, content to watch as the team collectively lost their shit with a lost (and now very offended) Sawamura in the middle of the chaos.

He would step in if things got too chaotic or someone went overboard.

But for now, he wanted to enjoy the show while it lasted.

#diamond no ace #daiya no ace #sawamura eijun #narumiya mei #meisawa #sawamei #daiya no a #fanfictions #pikashadows writing

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ivybucky · 4 years

Text

everything i’ve got

request by @s-trawberryv-eins : Please can I request a Bucky x Banner/Stark!reader fic? Angst with a happy ending please. The two are dating but want to keep it a secret out of fear of her father disapproving. Hiding it gets really hard and they fight all the time; maybe even hit the breaks. Her dad finds out and after getting super mad he calms down and eveything works out? This is weirdly specific I know, apologies if it sounds dumb :)xxx

A/N: This was so much fun to write! I’m so excited to finally get my first fic of the decade out. Thanks to @mr-skyline-r34 and @queensevansackles for letting me bounce ideas off y’all and being my no. 1 bitches ily

Current Masterlist

author: abby

words: 2311

song I’m listening to: take a chance on me - abba

pairing: bucky barnes x reader

For the last year and a half, you’d been with the Avengers as a hacker and spy. As the 25 year old love child of Tony Stark and your mother, working alongside the man was both a dream and a tension fueled nightmare. Guess that’s where you got your attitude and anxiety from.

The team itself was your new family. All the boys were like big brothers to you, protecting you at any cost. Nat and Wanda were your best friends and your sisters and helped you get over your initial fears of being on the team

And then there was Bucky.

For the last six months, you’d been in a relationship with the former Winter Soldier. The sweet, kind, soft hearted man had stolen your heart the moment you met him. The two of you had flirted constantly throughout the entirety of your friendship, stealing glances, flittery touches, and shamelessly teasing one another.

After one particularly gruesome mission, ending with you in the medbay with several stab wounds, Bucky finally had decided to change the meaning behind your relationship. You were hesitant to tell Tony, knowing their past had some pretty low lows. You’d convince Bucky to keep it a secret for a while until you knew you were ready to be open about it.

But now, Bucky was getting frustrated. Whenever you became scared of someone finding out, Bucky would try and convince you it was time to tell the team. But your fear of what your own father might think caused you to pull back and not let it get too serious. While the two of you fought often, it would always end with you both apologizing and moving on. But not tonight.

You and Bucky had been hanging in your room, it was in the late hours of the night, to be sure that no one would see you. As you rested against Bucky’s chest watching a movie, he softly said, “I love you, Y/N.”

You shot up in your seat, eyes wide and your heart racing. “What?”

“I, uh,” he scratched the back of his neck while he looked at you with soft eyes. “I love you.”

You put a hand over your heart to try and steady its erratic beating. “Bucky,” you whispered, voice tightening in panic. “I can’t.”

You loved him, you know you did. But if you said it, then you were open like a wound, and after everything you’d been through, you didn’t know if you could handle getting hurt again.

“Is that why you don’t want to tell people we’re together? Because you don’t love me?” his face scrunched in hurt and anger.

“James, of course not,” your body trembled.

“Are you embarrassed of me? Is that it? Can’t stand anyone else knowing that you’ve been screwing around with the Winter Soldier? With a monster?” he spat out in anger.

“Is that what we’ve been doing? Screwing around? For six fucking months?” you asked incredulously.

“Well, that’s what it feels like Y/N! For Christ sakes you can’t even tell me you love me,” his voice cracked as it’s volume rose higher and higher. The pain behind his emotions melting through like a hot rod to cold metal.

Tears welling in your eyes, you took a step closer to him. “James,” you spoke softly. “You know how I feel about you.”

“Do I?” An angry tear broke free from his own eyes. “Because this all kind of feels one-side.”

You reached out to touch his arm, ready to confess every feeling under the sun to him, only for him to flinch away. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t just sit here hidden from view when all I want to do is show you off to the whole world. I can’t be with you anymore. ”

And then was gone. His large frame stormed out of your bedroom and like the ending of a book the door slammed shut with no room left for more words. The sound echoed through your space, leaving you with a shuddering sob in its wake.

The first twenty-four hours after the fight, you didn’t leave your room. Shadows loomed in front of your doorway, some asking for entry, others uneasy with lack of confidence. A cloud hung over your bed, mimicking your state with the bright sunshine outside. At some point, the days just seemed to drag on. Now closed curtains made time disappear and left you with your thoughts. It’s all your fault. Why can’t you just be more open? Maybe you’re the monster. It wouldn’t lasted anyway. He never really cared about you.

Your eyes burned, dry of emotion after four days. You were in a dark place, but life without him was dark. He doesn’t want you.

Your stomach wretched, muscles adjusted to the curled up position you’d kept your self in. The harshness of the fluorescent lights of the hallway made you want to crawl right back into your cave, but you ran out of your secret stash of food yesterday. Shuffling your sock-cladded feet into the kitchen, you didn’t even look up as you headed to the fridge.

“Y/N?” You winced at the familiar voice of your estranged father. With a grimace on your face as you shuffle through to-go boxes, you finally speak for what feels like ages.

“Hey pops,” you managed to get out, voice tight from sobbing.

“Kid, what the fuck?” Tony pushed off his seat by the counter making his way towards you. “Why have you got yourself locked up in your room?” You sighed.

“Tones, I don’t really wanna-“ he cut you off.

“Can you please just tell me what’s going on with you? This is the first time you’ve left your room in four days. You won’t answer anyone’s texts, you’ve won’t open your door. Hell have you even said a word while you were in there? Everyone’s worried about you.”

“Not everyone,” you mumbled.

“What the fuck is supposed to mean?” You met Tony’s eyes with your sunken ones. Your face the slightest bit paler in the harsh light.

“Look you’re not going to be happy.”

“Y/N, you’re my kid. I know it’s only been a short time that we’ve gotten to know each other, but you can always tell me anything. I wasn’t much of a father before because I didn’t know. Let me be a good one now.” He put a hand on your shoulder, nodding encouragingly. You sighed.

“Bucky and I have been dating,” you rushed out, nerves getting the best of you. “For the last six months. But we broke up a couple of days ago.”

Tony’s jaw clenched, brows furrowing in anger, hand slipping from your arm. About of thirty seconds of silence passed before he spoke up.

“Are you fucking kidding me right now?”

“Tony-“ you started.

“No, this is a joke,” he scoffed. “There’s no way you were dumb enough to date Barnes.”

“Excuse me?” you asked incredulously. “I am a grown ass adult. You need to watch what you say next old man.”

“Y/N. Bucky is a dangerous, unsteady person. Who knows when he’ll break next? Sure Shuri fixed him, but how do we know for sure.”

“Anthony Stark. You know better than to make those accusation about that man. He has saved your life countless times and mine. Bucky is an amazing man who has been through so much shit I can’t even begin to imagine. He may be dangerous, but he isn’t to me. He deserved every goddamn thing the world has to offer. He has the gentlest heart and the sweetest soul and is the dumbest person in the world to want to be with someone like me. I love that man with everything I’ve got. And now because of my fear of what you would think, I’ve lost him.”

Tony took a step back, his hand going to his chest like you had just shot him, whispering in disbelief, “You love him?”

“More than I can handle sometimes.”

Tony shook his head in disbelief, moving his hand to his forehead to smooth out his eyebrows. He turned and left the kitchen, saying, “I need a minute.” And then he was out of sight.

You covered your face with your hands, groaning loudly as the steps of your father disappeared down the hall.

“You love me?” A gruff voice behind you spoke, causing your spine to straighten and your body to turn.

“Bucky,” you started softly, eyes wide with newly formed tears in your eyes. He looked no better than you did, standing as if the weight of the world had been on his shoulders for days. He held his finger in the air, pausing your words.

“Shh,” he stared at you. “You love me?”

Having never said the words out loud to him before, of course you were nervous. But once you looked in his eyes, the steel blue pools of emotion you’d often found yourself drowning in, you knew there had never been a truer statement.

“I love you,” you smiled softly, stepping closer to him. You let the tears fall freely and quickly now. “I can’t breathe without you.”

Bucky’s lips slowly melted into the sweetest smile you’d ever seen, eyes brighter than the stars outside. He rushed to you wrapping his arms around you quickly, crushing you against his chest. He tried to calm you as sobs trembled through your body. You arms wrapped around his middle tightly, relieved to find yourself there again.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner,” you mumbled against his chest.

“Baby,” his voice strained out. “I don’t care about that. I shouldn’t have rushed you into saying it if you weren’t ready.” His arms tightened around you more, bringing you completely flush against him. “God, I’m so sorry honey. I hate making you feel like this.”

“It doesn’t matter,” you sighed, pulling away to lay a hand on his cheek. “Just have me back please. I can’t take it anymore.”

“Darlin’,” he chuckled, leaning in to kiss you. “You didn’t even have to ask.”

His lips pressed into yours and you almost passed out from all of your emotions. You could never get used to just how good those soft delicate lips felt. He pulled away, your lips chasing his, and grabbed you hand.

“Come on,” he tugged. “I wanna cuddle you all I can until the rest of the team finds out.”

Hours later in your bedroom, Bucky and you laid in your bed once again pressed flush against each other. With his arm around your back and your head on his chest, your fingers danced across his peck as the both of you softly talked about everything and nothing.

Giggling at an offhand comment he made about Sam and the bourgeoisie, you tilted your head to kiss the underside of his jaw. His arms tightened around you before pulling you up and sitting up. With a hand on his cheek, you rested your forehead against his.

“I love you,” you whispered, pecking his lips. He mouth cracked open in that smile that made your knees weak and moved his mouth to your neck, giving opened mouth kisses.

“Say it again,” he murmured.

“I love you,” you half-whimpered. His mouth moved to your jaw, nipping slightly.

“Again.”

“I love you,” you giggled out, his mouth finally landing on yours, nipping at your bottom lip. You hummed happily as you opened yourself more to him, pressing closer. You grinded slightly on his lap, causing him to moan slightly into the kiss.

An abrupt knock at the door cause you to jump away from each other. You felt Bucky sigh beneath you.

“Y/N can we talk please?” Tony called out from behind the door. You quickly got off of Bucky’s lap and made your way to open the door, ignoring his reaching hands.

“Hi Tony,” you said softly. “What’s up?”

He shuffled his feet, looking sheepish. “I feel bad about how I reacted, Y/N/N. You’ve been in a bad place and I should’ve been more considerate and tried to help you through it. And you’re right, Barnes deserves a lot more than what he’s been given. Obviously, he’s been taking care of you and I think you too should be together. I was just being a little over protective. If you want me to talk to him and help you kids get back together then I will. Cause you deserve to feel the kinda love you were describing."

“Tones,” you started. “Don’t worry about it please. I know the news was shocking to hear.” Just as you finished speaking, a pair of arms wrapped around your waist. You smirked a little watching his brows furrow.

“And thank you for your offer,” you winked. “But I think I got it covered.”

Tony sighed. “Okay you two. Just ease me into the PDA okay?”

“You got it,” Bucky answered, earning an eye roll from Tony.

“And you guys have to tell the team. I’m not gonna be the one who lays that news on them.”

“On it,” you smiled. Tony turned with a scoff.

“Yeah, right.”

After the door to your bedroom closed, Bucky turned you around by your hips and pulled you back to the bed. While he kissed you again, you grabbed your phone and took a picture.

“What are you doing?” he chuckled, pressing a kiss to your shoulder as you quickly typed a message before muting it and putting it on your sidetable.

“Just giving the team some news,” you smiled, bringing his lips back to yours, moving to lay underneath him.

*meanwhile in the avengers group chat*

Y/N: 1 attachment: we have some news!

Birdbrain: WHAT

Nat: I KNEW IT

Clint: you did not

Steve: Since WhEn?

Tony: I knew the whole time

Add yourself to the taglist

Forever Tags: @srgntbarnes, @i-like-tubs, @shamvictoria11, @blaackpanthr, @avengers-do-it-better, @fab-notfat, @with-a-hint-of-pesto-aiolii, @captainrogerss, @sebbies, @seabassbarness, @hdthdthdt, @katzuhira, @ailynalonso15, @nostalgicbex, @conspiracy-teen, @fireismysaftey, @wonderless-screwup, @winchester-gospels-67, @whiyen-has-a-crush, @saltwater-in-the-afternoon, @wooshytooshy, @jjamesbbarness, @i-put-the-bi-in-bifrost, @nanners-the-great, @marvelsundies, @property-of-loki-x, @imagines-4-you-blog, @wizards-magic-and-witches, @alexindahouse , @theglowstickofdestiny, @sobbingforseb, @memory-of-a-goldfish, @aletheladyinred, @timelordy-fangirl2 , @girlwhoisfearless @alexiamiky2003 @thisismysecrethappyplace @silverkitten547 @real-kate-bishop-aka-hawkeye @hamiltonwrite12

Bucky Tags: @i-dont-give-a-buck, @smol-flower-kiddo, @goldenkillmonger, @buckyssxxhair, @soldatavenger , @pamskky, @cutiepiemimi13, @yknott81@barnsfeysxn @neerness @bannanasz

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